Hunter Young Guns Winemakers recognised

The Australian Young Gun of Wine Awards started in 2007 and shine a light on Australia’s 50 best young wine labels and winemakers. Congratulations to our two local winemakers Alex Beckett and Peta Kotz who have been named as finalists in the 2022 awards.

A Hunter Valley native, in 2016 Alex Beckett was offered an assistant winemaker role at Briar Ridge, was awarded a Sydney Wine Show Scholarship and completed his Wine Spirit Education Trust Diploma. Promoted to winemaker at Briar Ridge in 2018, Alex now oversees the making of classic, regional wines alongside emerging varieties, with both the traditional and the experimental treated with the same curiosity.

Peta Kotz’s Sabi Wabi Wines, is her homage to reworking the traditions of the Hunter and searching for “beauty amongst imperfection.” Hunter born and bred, Semillon is the foundation of the brand Peta founded in 2019, while working as assistant winemaker for biodynamic Hunter winery Krinklewood. In 2021, Kotz took a role as assistant winemaker at M&J Becker Wines and expanded her range. Sabi Wabi Wine produce honest, small batch, lo-fi wines from varieties grown locally in the Hunter Valley.

Peta has just been announced as one of the Trophy Winners at this year’s awards. She took home the trophy in the Winemaker’s Choice category.

briarridge.com.au, sabiwabi.com.au,
Award winners will be announced in June.
younggunofwine.com