News

Celebrating excellence, innovation and craftsmanship across the Australian wine industry, the Melbourne Royal Wine Awards - Australia's premier wine competition and home to the coveted Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy for Best Young Red Wine - is now welcoming entries for 2026, inviting winemakers from across the country to benchmark their wines alongside the nation's best.

The 2025 Melbourne Royal Wine Awards celebrated excellence in Australian winemaking at a special presentation luncheon on Friday 7 November, held at Melbourne Showgrounds’ Victoria Pavilion. Amid the clinking of glasses and festive cheer, the 2025 trophy winners were announced, showcasing the remarkable talent and diversity of Australia’s wine producers.

‘Tis the season to eat, drink and be merry — and what better way to do it than with Melbourne Royal’s award-winning flavours? We’ve curated our favourite 2025 Food & Beverage Award winners to help you craft a Christmas feast worth celebrating.

Winning the prestigious Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy is a dream for many Australian winemakers, and in 2024, Four Winds Vineyard turned that dream into reality. Their dedication to crafting premium, approachable wines has earned them the highest recognition at the Melbourne Royal Wine Awards, connecting their brand with new audiences and reaffirming their winemaking philosophy.

For Brokenwood, winning Best Semillon at the Melbourne Royal Wine Awards is more than just a trophy—it’s a reflection of their dedication to excellence and the remarkable terroir of the Hunter Valley. We caught up with the team to learn more about their award-winning 2018 ILR Reserve Semillon, the impact of this accolade, and why these awards play a vital role in Australia’s wine industry.