Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy

The Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy is Australia's most prestigious wine award. It is presented in recognition of services rendered to the advancement of the Australian wine industry by the late Jimmy Watson. The award is for the best one or two year old dry red wine.

Jimmy was a wine connoisseur and operated a wine bar in Carlton. He strove to encourage a love of wine among the Australian public and worked hard to change the image of wine bars to a place of good food, good drink and good company. As his son Allan recalls, "In those days wine was 'plonk' and table wines weren't used very much. Dad educated a lot of people into the use of table wines".

Jimmy developed a relationship with Melbourne Royal when he would purchase the wine exhibited during the Show and cellar it in his wine bar. When Jimmy passed away in 1962, his friends, family, and customers wanted a fitting way to recognise him. Given his connection with the Show, someone suggested a prize to remember Jimmy and honour his dedication to winemaking in Australia.

Learn more about the previous Jimmy Watson memorial trophy winners here.

Hear from Allan Watson, son of Jimmy Watson, about the establishment of the award here.