In the heart of the Grampians, amid the breathtaking landscapes of Victoria’s winemaking region, there lies a hidden gem – Fallen Giants Vineyard. This picturesque estate, home to some of Australia’s most remarkable Shiraz vines, has been gaining recognition for its exceptional wines.

In 2021, Rebecca Drummond, the Viticulturist behind this family-owned winery, clinched the prestigious Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy for their Fallen Giants 2019 Shiraz.

As we prepare to celebrate the 60th awarding of the Jimmy Watson Trophy in 2023 at the Melbourne Royal Wine Awards, we take a closer look at Rebecca’s remarkable journey and the impact of her win on the winery and the Grampians region.

A Triumph Worth Waiting For

When asked about her thoughts on winning the coveted Jimmy Watson Trophy, Rebecca Drummond reflects on the milestone very fondly.

“While winning the Jimmy Watson was incredibly humbling, it did reinforce that we were on the right path in terms of our approach to farming and our winemaking.

“We had decided a few years before we wanted to start farming organically and really shift our focus to detail rather than volume.

“When your peers then pull that wine out of a lineup blind, it is pretty exciting!”

Winning this esteemed award validated the hard work and dedication that Drummond and her team had invested in their vineyard and winemaking practices.

For Drummond, the Jimmy Watson win marked a turning point in her career. It wasn’t just a trophy; it was a recognition of the values and principles that had guided her journey. This victory was not only a celebration of their 2019 Shiraz, but also a testament to the quality that organic farming and meticulous winemaking can achieve.

Source: Melbourne Royal – full article