The fifth annual instalment of Young Gun of Wine’s Vineyard of the Year Awards has been unveiled, celebrating the exceptional efforts of four standout vineyards from a shortlist of 41 across Australia. Among the winners was vigneron and owner Mark Walpole, noted as being a ‘quietly trailblazing viticulturist’ Mark works tirelessly, committed to working sustainably with innovation.
Walpole’s recognition as one of the country’s leading viticulturists reflects decades of dedication to site-sensitive, climate-forward vineyard practices. Fighting Gully Road is perched in the high country of Beechworth, and is a shining example of how thoughtful vineyard stewardship can lead to outstanding wine, and a blueprint for resilience in a changing climate.
“Mark Walpole exemplifies everything the Vineyard of the Year Awards aim to celebrate,” said Young Gun of Wine founder Rory Kent. “He’s a quiet achiever, but one of the most influential figures in Australian viticulture – not just for what he grows, but for how he grows it.”
The Vineyard of the Year Awards were created in 2019 to shift the spotlight from solely winemakers to the often-unsung heroes of wine – the growers. “Without great grapes, there’s no great wine,” Kent emphasized. “These awards are about honouring the land, the work, and the innovation that happens before the fruit even reaches the winery.”
Now five years in, the Awards continue to spotlight the environmental, cultural, and technical excellence found in Australian vineyards. Each year, the judging panel – including viticulturists, winemakers, and wine writers – undertakes a rigorous selection process that includes site inspections and in-depth assessments of viticultural practice, sustainability, and regional impact.
Mark’s approach at Fighting Gully Road stood out for its blend of tradition and innovation. With a deep understanding of soil health, canopy management, and climate adaptation, he has built a vineyard that’s as resilient as it is expressive. His work isn’t just producing high-quality wine grapes – it’s shaping the future of cool-climate viticulture in Australia!
Wine writer and longtime Awards judge Max Allen described Walpole’s work as “inspirational,” noting: “Whether it’s trialling alternative grape varieties or refining every small detail in the vineyard, Mark’s commitment is both visionary and grounded. He represents a kind of quiet excellence that makes a big impact.”
This year’s other award winners include a bold new project in Tasmania’s Tamar Valley, a revered old-vine vineyard in the Barossa, and a biodynamically managed icon of McLaren Vale. Together with our Fighting Gully Road, these four vineyards highlight the diversity and dynamism of Australian winegrowing – and the people driving it forward.
Viticulturists and representatives of the 41 shortlisted vineyards gathered in Melbourne (on an evening in late June) for a celebratory dinner following a national trade roadshow. The event was not only a chance to honour the winners but also to foster collaboration and share insights across the community of growers.
As climate pressures continue to reshape the industry, the Vineyard of the Year Awards seek to elevate stories like Mark’s – stories of resilience, adaptation, and quiet leadership. “The networks and knowledge shared through this program are more important than ever,” said Kent. “We’re proud to celebrate Mark and all the finalists who are redefining what great Australian viticulture looks like.”
Congratulations to Mark, and to all the 2024 finalists and winners, for raising the bar on what it means to grow great wine in Australia.
Cheers!
To read the full article, and list of winners, click here.