Over 160 years the Morris family has a earned an esteemed reputation as one of the most prominent wine-making families in Australia. Today, David Morris continues their wine making history combining tradition with contemporary techniques, ensuring that the Morris name remains one of the Australia’s most iconic and respected wine family dynasties. Let the Morris family story unfold…
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Our story
Timeline
1859
In 1859, George Francis Morris established a vineyard and winery near Rutherglen in North Eastern Victoria. He planted a trial vineyard plot of ten actress at “Fairfield” two miles east of the current Morris “Mia Mia” winery location.
1885
By 1885 plantings had grown to over 200 acres making Morris the largest wine producer in the Southern Hemisphere.
1890
In the late 1890’s the devastating spread of Phylloxera, an aphid like insect that attacks and kills vines, crippled the Rutherglen region.
1897
In 1897 Charles Hughes Morris, son of George, had established a new vineyard at “Mia Mia” only a few kilometres away from the original Morris plantings. Selling his prize-winning horse, Fairfield, to develop the property the Morris winemaking tradition continued and the image of the show jumping horse would become the company trademark.
1917
In 1917, due to the devastating spread of Phyloxera, the Morris Fairfield Estate and Winery was sold.
1953
Charles Henry (Mick) Morris was the first family winemaker to be university educated and returned to Rutherglen to commence his first official vintage as winemaker in 1953. Mick is recognised as a pioneer of the Durif grape variety.
1993
In 1993, Mick’s son, David, became the fifth generation winemaker. Combining 145 years of winemaking tradition with modern techniques David is one of the most awarded winemakers in Australia.
2003
Under David’s guidance, the Morris range of table, fortified and sparkling wines collected an amazing tally of 20 trophies and 223 medals including 80 Gold in 2003.
2009
Morris Wines celebrated its 150th year. Key industry figures were invitied to attend the celebration at the historic winery in Rutherglen. Guests were treated to a tasting of Rare CHM Muscat in celebration of the Morris family’s rich and revered histroy.
2016
Morris Wines is acquired by Casella Family Brands, one of Australia’s prominent family owned wine companies. Under John Casella’s stewardship and with David Morris continuing as Chief Winemaker and custodian, Morris Wines continues its legacy.
2017
“These Rutherglen fortified wines have no equivalent in any other part of the world” claims prolific Australian wine writer, James Halliday of Wine Companion.
2018
A momentous year for awards; Morris of Rutherglen Old Premium Rare Liqueur Muscat is classed ‘Best Muscat in the World’ at Muscat Du Monde as well as being recognised by the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) as the 2018 Fortified Producer of the Year.
2019
Morris of Rutherglen celebrates 160 years of winemaking history and tradition. To commemorate this anniversary an Old Premium Rare Tawny was released with strictly limited quantities of exactly 160 cases.
Meet our winemaker
Get to know the person behind our wine below.
Awards
Mia Aged Amber Apera
Silver Medal - Cairns Wine Show (2018)
Classic Tawny
Gold Medal - National Wine Show of Australia (2018)
NV MORRIS WINES OLD PREMIUM RARE LIQUEUR TOPAQUE
2019 - Royal Melbourne Wine Awards The Bill Chambers Trophy for Best Fortified Wine
Sparkling Shiraz Durif
Silver Medal - National Wine Show of Australia (2018)
Old Premium Rare Liqueur Muscat
99 Points - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion (2020)
NV Old Premium Rare Tawny
Silver Medal - Royal Perth Wine Show (2019)
NV Classic Muscat
96 Points - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion (2020)
NV Classic Liqueur Topaque
91 Points - JamesSuckling.com (2018)
Cellar Reserve Grand Tawny
Gold Medal - Cowra Wine Show (2019)
Cellar Reserve Grand Tawny
Gold Medal - Rutherglen Wine Show (2019)
Cellar Reserve Grand Liqueur Topaque
Gold Medal - Royal Melbourne Wine Show (2018)
Cellar Reserve Grand Tawny
Silver Medal - Decanter World Wine Awards (2019)
Cellar Reserve Grand Tawny
Double Gold Medal - China Wine & Spirits Awards (2019)
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