After taking out the trophy for Australia’s Best Shiraz in 2014, Jason and Alesia Brown of Moppity Vineyards (pictured) have gone on to bigger and brighter things. Their Moppity Vineyards 2013 Reserve Shiraz was a first win for a NSW wine in the Australian Shiraz Challenge. This award was dominated by South Australian wines. At that time Jason said that they were proud to receive this award and bring Hilltops wines around the Harden region to the forefront. They began their success with the 2006 Reserve Shiraz by winning Top Gold in London’s International Wine and Spirit Competition. Jason said the Reserve is only released in years when he believes the quality is exceptional. They took out the Award for the Hilltops Wine of the Year with their 2105 Estate Shiraz at the recent Hilltops Wine Show where a large crowd gathered for the inaugural event in Young’s Town Hall. Around 70 wines were entered covering various classes with twenty nine contenders up against Moppity for the Shiraz class. The Browns have been long time supporters of the Harden District Education Foundation and the Picnic Races. They are thrilled with the win and are happy that the Hilltops Wine Region is achieving acknowledgement as a wine producer of note.