Julian Langworthy. Image courtesy Royal Queensland Wine Awards

Margaret River winemaker Julian Langworthy will take over the helm of the Royal Queensland Wine Awards (RQWA) in 2025, and will fill the role of chief judge from 2025 to 2027, with Tom Carson coming to the end of his three-year term.

Langworthy has more than 25 years of experience in the industry spanning vintages in France, Canada and Australia, with 14 of those based in Western Australia’s Margaret River.

He was the first Margaret River winemaker to be crowned James Halliday’s Winemaker of the Year in 2019 and more recently won the WA Good Food Guide’s 2024 Winemaker in November.

With a chief winemaker role at Deep Woods Estate and a label of his own in Nocturne, Langworthy’s wines have been awarded more than 60 trophies and 200 gold-medals in wine shows across Australia and overseas.

Langworthy said he hoped to give some value back to the wine industry as part of his new role with the RQWA, having been a panel chair at the show for three years.

“As a strong advocate for the Australian wine show system it’s a great thrill and honour to be at the helm of the Royal Queensland Wine Awards for the next three years,” he said.

“Wine shows have been hugely important in developing and shaping the Australian wine industry.

“I would like to continue the great work of the outgoing chair Tom Carson in recognising some of the best Australian wines and delivering feedback to producers, while also assisting in developing some of the great judging talent we have.

“In 2025 we will be looking for a broad base of judges from all walks of our amazing industry from right across the country, to allow some great insight to differing styles and emerging varieties that are on offer today.”

Chair of the Royal Queensland Wine Show and RNA Councillor Ari McCamley said he was delighted Langworthy had accepted their invitation to be chief judge for the next three years.

“Julian has established his credentials as a master craftsman of wines, particularly from his beloved Margaret River region, and demonstrated exceptional leadership as a panel chair at the RQWA in 2021, 2023 and 2024,” he said.

“Notably, when judging was abruptly curtailed by a pandemic lockdown in 2021, Julian was quick to offer to help salvage the show.

“Our strict policy on the rotation of judges means we are excited for Julian’s era as Chief, in which we expect he will continue to inspire and develop the next generation of judges.

“Julian is currently assembling his judging team to offer exhibitors at the 2025 Awards objective assessment of their wines and meaningful feedback.”

Entries for the 2025 Royal Queensland Wine Awards will open on Monday 3 February 2025.

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