On this episode of Drinks Chat, we welcome Jamie Burnett and Chris Masten, the dynamic duo behind Top Up Wines. Top Up revolutionises Western Australian wine by running the first-ever people’s choice wine awards, giving consumers a direct voice in selecting the state’s best drops via a public vote.
In our conversation, Jamie and Chris reveal:
· How Top Up empowers wine lovers to choose the Top 100 WA wines each year, with over 20,000 votes and 1,600+ entries in the inaugural run.
· The origins of Top Up—born from Jamie’s idea with wine veteran Scott Spalding and AFL premiership player-turned-wine-enthusiast Chris Masten.
· Their motivations: celebrating WA’s diverse wine styles and regions, breaking downelitism, and ensuring even non-experts have a seat at the table.
· Highlights from the Awards: WA’s favourite styles—Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir—and how the format celebrated all nine regions of the state.
Whether you're a seasoned wine collector or newly exploring WA wine, this episode offers an insider’s insight into disrupting a traditional industry with a refreshing, inclusive, and fun approach 🍷.
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