Morris family marks 165 years of wine tradition

When you walk into the Morris cellars in Rutherglen you can literally smell the history. 

In Rutherglen, north-east Victoria, the glorious fortified wines produced here hark back to a different time in Australia. Think muscats, topaques and tawny styles refined over the years. 

The Morris family has now been involved for 165 years, making wines and now whiskies. 

The refurbishment of the iconic cellar door and the ushering in of sixth-generation chief winemaker Madden Morris continue the family tradition.

Back in 1859, George Francis Morris established a small vineyard and winery outside Rutherglen, with a trial vineyard plot 3km west of the current Morris location. 

By 1885, plantings had grown to over 600 acres, making Morris the largest wine producer in the southern hemisphere at that time. 

In 1897, Charles Hughes Morris, son of George, established a new vineyard, the Mia Mia Vineyard, where the winery and distillery stand today. 

To secure the property, Charles was reluctantly forced to sell the family’s beloved prize-winning racehorse, Fairfield. It is an image of Fairfield that adorns the Morris logo today. 

Local legend Mick Morris commenced his first official vintage as winemaker in 1953, quickly becoming a pioneer of durif as a table wine varietal. 

Mick’s son, David Morris, became the fifth-generation winemaker in 1993 and his son Madden (below) is now in charge of winemaking. 

Morris of Rutherglen, now part of Casella Family Brands, has grown to become one of the most acclaimed fortified, and now whisky, producers in the world. 

An experiment to revive the original 1930s dormant copper still in 2016 saw the creation of a premium single malt whisky. Today, flavours come from finishing in casks which have held a selection of award-winning Morris fortified wines. 

Madden Morris grew up walking around the cellars, learning directly from his father, David Morris, and grandfather, Mick Morris. 

“It is a fantastic achievement to be able to celebrate 165 years of Morris winemaking,” Madden Morris said. "And we look forward to continuing the guardianship of Morris winemaking going forward into future  years.”

For more info see www.morrisofrutherglen.com.

Check out a new branding from Penfolds

 

Thinking of gifting a bottle of Penfolds wine over the festive season?

Maybe one with a point of difference? 

Penfolds has just unveiled its holiday collection for the 2024 festive season with the release of Holiday Designed by NIGO. 

The collectable series is available for a limited time globally and includes four giftboxes designed by Penfolds Creative Partner NIGO - the renowned Japanese artist.

Penfolds Holiday Collection is inspired by NIGO’s interpretation of the graphic checkered pattern found in traditional Asian textiles. 

A symbol of eternity and prosperity, the two-tone square pattern repeats horizontally and vertically across all Penfolds holiday giftboxes. 

NIGO’s designs are showcased across a collectable suite of festive giftboxes (designed in four colours: red, green, blue and black).

The collection is headlined by Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz ($120) with entry level wines at $30. 

NIGO, who only uses one name (like Bono without the voice) said: “It was very important to me to incorporate my culture into this holiday collection.

“Integrating the checkered design and Furoshiki was a clear way for me to honour that. With this Furoshiki, Ihope collectors can wrap, gift, and share their Penfolds wines this holiday season.”

Penfolds first announced NIGO as its Creative Partner in June 2023, with the global release of One by Penfolds.

For stockist information andmore details visit www.penfolds.com.