Highlights of the 2012 Royal Melbourne Wine Show include the five major trophies:
Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy
2011 marked the 50th anniversary of The Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy, one of the wine industry’s most sought-after awards. Named after the legendary Jimmy Watson, who championed table wine at his wine bar, which celebrated its 75th year of family trading in 2011, the trophy has been presented in his memory every year since 1962 at the Royal Melbourne Wine Show for the best one or two year old red wine.
Victorian Government Trophy
The Victorian Government Trophy for the Best Victorian Table Wine is presented by the Victorian government in recognition of excellence in the Victorian Wine Industry. The award will be made to the Exhibitor of the Best Victorian table wine in Show. Exhibits eligible for this award must be made from 100% Victorian grapes and vintaged in Victoria.
François De Castella Trophy
The François De Castella Trophy is one of the Royal Melbourne Wine Show’s marquee awards. The trophy is named in honour of François Robert De Castella (1867-1953), a Swiss-born pioneer Victorian viticulturalist and winemaker who wrote the influential Handbook on Viticulture for Victoria and as the state’s viticultural expert, helped the fledgling industry through very difficult times during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Douglas Seabrook Single Vineyard Trophy
The Douglas Seabrook Single Vineyard Trophy is a prestigious annual Royal Melbourne Wine Show award named after iconic 1970s Australian wine judge and commentator Douglas Seabrook. To qualify for this award, all exhibits must be produced using at least 95% of fruit from an individually named vineyard and the vineyard name must appear on the wine’s commercial label.
Bill Chambers Trophy for Best Fortified Wine
The Bill Chambers Trophy for Best Fortified Wine was first introduced in 2011. The trophy is awarded to the best fortified in show and adjudicated by a panel of specialist fortified judges. It recognises the outstanding achievements of Rutherglen legend, Bill Chambers, both for his contribution to Victorian fortified wine and his role with the Royal Melbourne Wine Show as Chairman of Judges for 25 years.