Gold in the Glass: Pennyweight Wines and the Alchemy of Beechworth

Earlier this year, I found myself on a guided tour of a winery as historic and captivating as it was charming and picturesque — and none of it by accident. Tucked away in the Victorian Highlands, in the storied town of Beechworth, just off Pennyweight Lane, sits Pennyweight Wines, a family-run gem helmed by the illustrious Morris family.

I had the privilege of being shown around by Stephen Morris Senior, who, along with his wife Elizabeth — a wonderful host in her own right — founded Pennyweight. Now, it was a bold move to give a tour in the middle of vintage, but it paid off in spades. I was treated to some authentic Beechworth hospitality and even managed to sneak a peek at winemaker Stephen Morris Junior at work in the barrel room.

Stephen Senior is as humble as he is generous. He avoids the spotlight but leaves no doubt about his confidence in the wines of Pennyweight and the Beechworth region. Like father, like son.

After some convincing, I managed to twist his arm into sitting down for a chat on the show. He joked that I was stuck with him because Stephen Junior was far too focused on the wines to be distracted — and honestly, that tells you just about everything you need to know about what’s in bottle at Pennyweight. If you get the chance to experience these wines, don’t hesitate. Gold takes many forms in Beechworth, and it seems some of the local producers are dabbling in alchemy.

It was a privilege to speak with Stephen Morris Senior — we talked Beechworth wines, the terroir, the region’s rich history, and a family legacy steeped in craftsmanship. A huge thank you to Stephen Senior for joining me. I hope you enjoy this conversation.