Best’s named Young Gun of Wine Inaugural Old Vineyard of the Year
Concongella Vineyard awarded Inaugural Old Vineyard of the Year 2021, Young Gun of Wine Awards
For more than 150 years we’ve proudly produced world-class wines in Victoria’s Great Western region. Planted in 1868, the vines at our Concongella vineyard are some of the oldest surviving pre-phylloxera wines in the world.
It was an honour to be recently named the inaugural Old Vineyard of the Year in the 2021 Young Gun of Wine Vineyard of the Year Awards. These wine awards celebrate wine at the source. The awards aim to reconnect the wines we enjoy to the places and ways in which the grapes are grown.
The criteria evaluated vine health, quality of fruit and wine, innovation and sustainability. The awards were judged by a panel of industry leaders, including Dr Irina Santiago-Brown, Dr Mardi Longbottom, Dr Mary Cole, Dr Peter Dry AM, Mark Walpole and Max Allen.
Sustainability is at the heart of these awards. The judges focused on vineyards engaging in meaningful change. Those committed to improving vineyard health. People that challenge accepted thinking about how grapes are produced. Who inspire and encourage others, and who understand the intricate link between vineyards and the wider community.
From over 6000 grape growers across Australia, 50 finalists were selected for exemplifying the values of the awards. We were humbled to be recognised for the work that often goes on behind the scenes.
We have a great community here in Great Western. Ben Thomson and the team continue to lovingly nurture these historic vineyards. They tweak practices to ensure their longevity for generations to come. As Ben notes “Whilst it is never about the accolades, at Best’s we’re always humbled and proud when the significance of these historic vineyards is put in the spotlight. A rare Australian viticultural treasure.”
Watch the presentation, Young Gun of Wine Awards 2021
Experience History at Best’s Wines
Learn more about our historic vineyards and Cellar Door. Plan your trip to Best’s and tour our historic vineyards and underground cellar and book a wine tasting at our Cellar Door.
