Major Awards

A number of prestigious trophies are presented in the Melbourne Royal Wine Awards, including –

JIMMY WATSON MEMORIAL TROPHY FOR BEST YOUNG RED WINE 

The Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy recognises Jimmy’s contribution to the advancement of the Australian wine industry. The trophy is presented to the Best Young Red Wine of the 2022 or 2023 vintage classes.   

100 dozen finished bottled stock must be held at the time of delivery.   

JAMES HALLIDAY TROPHY FOR BEST PINOT NOIR 

The James Halliday Trophy for Best Pinot Noir recognises Halliday’s lifelong contribution to the Australian wine industry and world class Pinot Noir production.   

TREVOR MAST TROPHY FOR BEST SHIRAZ 

Honouring a legend of the Victorian wine industry, the Trevor Mast Trophy recognises Trevor’s lifetime contribution to the Australian wine industry and in particular his visionary cool-climate Shiraz at Victoria’s Mount Langi Vineyards.   

FRANCOIS DE CASTELLA TROPHY FOR BEST YOUNG WHITE WINE 

Named for pioneering Victorian viticulturist and winemaker, the Francois de Castella Trophy is awarded to the Best Young Wine from the 2023 and 2024 vintages.   

DOUGLAS SEABROOK TROPHY FOR BEST SINGLE VINEYARD WINE 

Awarded to the best exhibit from an individually named continued vineyard, the name of which must appear on the commercial label of wine.  The wine must be made from not less than 95% grapes grown on the named vineyard.  

BILL CHAMBERS TROPHY FOR BEST FORTIFIED WINE  

In recognition of his service to the Melbourne Royal Wine Awards as Chair of Judges for 25 years and for his contribution to Victoria as a fortified winemaker, the Bill Chambers Trophy recognises the best fortified wine.   

KYM LUDVIGSEN TROPHY FOR VITICULTURAL EXCELLENCE 

Recognises excellence in viticulture and goes to the grower or team behind the grapes that produced the Douglas Seabrook Single Vineyard Trophy-winning wine.  

THE DR TONY JORDAN TROPHY FOR BEST SPARKLING

The Dr Tony Jordan Trophy for the Best Sparkling recognises Jordan’s lifelong contribution to the Australian wine industry and world class sparkling wine production and is awarded to the Best Sparkling of the 2024 Melbourne Royal Wine Awards.