Established in 2007, the Young Gun of Wine Award goes to an emerging producer that is not only making outstanding wine, but also demonstrating vision and leadership, and nailing the entire pitch, packaging and presentation of their product. That’sAnita down to a T.
As part of her selection as finalist Anita will also be eligible for selection as Best New Act being a first time finalist as well as being in the running for the People’s choice award, which is selected by the public (more about that later !)
The Goode family have farmed the land of Wangolina Station – Mount Benson since 1923. The property was a grazing one –and still is – now dedicated to shorthorn and angus cattle. It was in 1999 that vines were planted, with cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, semillon and sauvignon blanc going in the ground.
“The joy of being the sole winemaker and owner of Wangolina means that the decision making is always on me. I’m not responsible to anyone but myself when making the wine, and I have learnt how to be resourceful, resilient and reflective when mistakes have been made.” Anita commented. Gradually assuming control of the vineyard management, that foray into new varieties has seen Goode both replant and graft vines over from the original and more traditional plantings.
“The joy of being the sole winemaker and owner of Wangolina means that the decision making is always on me. I’m not responsible to anyone but myself when making the wine, and I have learnt how to be resourceful, resilient and reflective when mistakes have been made."
Anita’s efforts were recognised in 2020 when she was named one of only ten Dark Horse Wineries of the year, with Halliday awarding eight 90+ scores including three 95’s for her SpectrumSyrah which was also selected as one of the years top 100 reds and her MtBenson Semillon and Gruener Veltliner – with the later two also selected as special value awards.
Goode’s strong focus is to champion Mount Benson and Mundulla as regions, which she says are so often diluted away into big company blends. “These two regions to me always feel like the unknown underdogs,” she says. “I try to champion the wines of these regions and provide them with an opportunity to be what they deserve to be, to show their true regional identity. My aim is to champion the alternative grape varieties and bring a regional expression to classic varieties.”
To support Anita and vote for her in this years Young Guns of Wine Peoples choice award please go to: https://younggunofwine.com/peopleschoice/ and select Wangolina from the dropdown box.
As Brand Advocacy Manager at Swift + Moore, Lucille says she owes so much of what she knows now to those early days bartending.
