At Brown Brothers, we take immense pride in the talent and dedication of our winemaking team, and no one exemplifies this more than Senior Winemaker Cate Looney.

As a driving force behind the bottles we lovingly produce, Cate knows a thing or two about making great wine. Her leadership, innovative approach to art and science, and her creative vision have not only shaped the exceptional wines we make here in Victoria's King Valley, but have also cemented her as a trailblazer in the Australian wine industry. So much so, that in 2020 she was named Winemaker of the Year by Australian Women in Wine.

While Cate's passion and curiosity have been instrumental to Brown Brothers' success, her influence is perhaps most evident in our celebrated Patricia range. Named in honour of our family's matriarch, the Patricia range is crafted with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality, with each wine radiating the elegance and charm of Patricia herself:

"It's a great honour to be part of the winemaking team that is making these wines; we put plenty of love and dedication into them, which we hope reflects the love and dedication Patricia put into the business and her family. We are always trying to make these wines the best we possibly can, and of course I still feel excited and proud with each new release."

Under Cate’s expert guidance, the Patricia Pinot Noir & Chardonnay Brut 2018 has sparkled its way to the top, recently crowned Australia’s Best Sparkling Wine at the 2025 Halliday Wine Awards.

Shining with graceful effervescence, our coveted bubbles has captivated the judges with its elegant balance, refined complexity and vibrant flavours, clinching the top spot at the annual Awards night held each August. This accolade is a testament to Cate’s skill and dedication to crafting wines that embody a true labour of love, and the terroir from which they come.

Renowned for celebrating excellence in Australian winemaking, the Halliday Wine Awards recognises outstanding achievements across various categories. They recognise the crème de la crème of winemaking, honouring the artistry and dedication that goes into every bottle. Winning in the sparkling wine category is no small feat, especially when showcasing against some of Australia's top producers.

"We are immensely proud to receive this prestigious award for our 2018 Patricia Pinot Noir & Chardonnay Brut [...] it is a testament to the dedication of our entire team and the exceptional terroir of the King Valley for sparkling wine. This recognition motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and crafting wines that resonate with both connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike." 

As we celebrate this incredible accolade and Cate's significant role in making it possible, we look to the future with excitement and optimism that our wines will continue to delight and inspire wine lovers everywhere.

Best Sparkling Wine in Australia – we’ll cheers to that!

To shop the Patricia Sparkling 2018 alongside the complete list of Halliday winners, visit Brown Family Wines.

SHOP HALLIDAY WINES