Wine Communicators of Australia (WCA) has named third generation family member and Executive Director at Brown Brothers, Ross Brown, 2015 Victorian Legend of the Vine.

The title recognises an individual who has made an outstanding and lasting contribution to the Australian wine industry.

Ross, a member of the board of Wine Victoria, is also a member of the advisory board for Victorian Regional Tourism, and as WCA Chair, Angus Barnes explained at the awards lunch, has been a fantastic spokesman for Australian wine for many years.

“Few people fit those criteria better than Ross”, Barnes said. “When Ross is not flying around the world promoting Brown Brothers and Australia’s First Families of Wine, that’s where you’ll find him doing what he does best – greeting guests and talking about wine.”

Ross said he was shocked but delighted to receive the award. “When something is your life and your passion you just go about doing things and getting involved. Awards are the last thing you expect, but it’s a great honour when they come.”

Ross now joins fellow Legends of the Vine, WCA Patron James Halliday, Rob Hirst, Patrick Iland, David Lowe, Phil Laffer, Lyndey Milan and Bill Hardy. Ross also received an honorary life membership to the WCA as part of the awards.

Image: Ross Brown with his daughter, Katherine Brown.