The 2018 Young Gun of Wine award winners were named on Monday night, at the awards ceremony which celebrated Australia’s best young winemakers and best wine venues.

Last month Australia’s top 50 wine venues were named, with the winner announced as Melbourne bottle shop and bar – City Wine Shop – on Monday night. The winner of the Ocean Eight Wineslinger award was decided on by over 100 sommeliers, winemakers and industry leaders, and City Wine Shop was understandably delighted with the win.

“We’re over the moon and blown away to have received the inaugural Wineslinger award. It means a lot to have been selected by our industry peers. Thanks to all winemakers for making delicious wines, to our customers for supporting us and to all our staff, both front and back of house. We are very proud and humbled,” said Isabelle Agnes, Manager of City Wine Shop.

The store is located in Spring Street in Melbourne and as well as a bottle shop with an extensive wine, spirits and beer selection, there is the adjoining wine bar, described as “Melbourne’s answer to the traditional Italian wine bar”.

As well as the Ocean Eight Wineslinger award, the Innocent Bystander People’s Choice Wineslinger winner was also named, with the award going to Harvest Newrybar near Byron Bay.

Young Gun of Wine founder, Rory Kent, said: “Bars and restaurants are the places we so often discover a wine for the first time – and venues are now offering more fun, interest and surprise to the whole experience for wine lovers. There’s never been a better time to get into wine! From the Top 50 lists, to the trophy winners, these are products and places to seek out.”

As well as the venue prizes the awards night also celebrates Australia’s best young winemakers, including the Best New Act, People’s Choice and the Young Gun of Wine.

The prestigious Riedel Young Gun of Wine Award, this year went to Rob Mack from Aphelion in McLaren Vale. Mack was understandably delighted with his award, saying: “I could not be happier right now, this is a win for us but it’s also a reflection on the melting pot of creativity in McLaren Vale. To be picked at the top of this list of truly awesome winemakers is a testament to our family’s winemaking values”.

The People’s Choice, was decided by the public at two tasting events in Melbourne and Sydney, and went to Melanie Chester from Sutton Grange Winery in Bendigo, Victoria. The Winemaker’s Choice, voted on by the final 12 winemakers, was taken out by Gilli and Paul Lipscombe from Sailor Seeks Horse in the Huon Valley, Tasmania and the Best New Act was given to Jonathan Hughes from Mewstone in Tasmania.

Andy Young

Andy joined Intermedia as Editor of The Shout in 2015, writing news on a daily basis and also writing features for National Liquor News. Now Managing Editor of both The Shout and Bars and Clubs.

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