Historical information

This image is one from a series of portraits taken by Rob Elliott to record the character of the Border District through the faces if its identities.

This photo shows Charles Henry “Mick” Morris in the Morris cellar at Mia Mia near Rutherglen, Victoria. Charles Henry “Mick” Morris was born in Rutherglen, Victoria on 1st July 1928, son of Charles Tempest George Morris and Daisy Chambers. The Morris winery was started by Mick’s great grandfather, George Francis Morris who arrived in Australia in 1852. He immediately set off for the goldfields but found more profit from selling supplies to the goldfields. He purchased land in Rutherglen in 1859. By 1894 he had the biggest cellars in Australia.
Mick Morris is a 4th generation wine maker. He was educated at Gooramadda Primary School, then at Rutherglen Higher Elementary School before attending Scotch College in Melbourne. He became the first member of his family to gain a university education, gaining a Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of Melbourne in 1950 before completing an Oenology Course at Roseworthy Agricultural College in South Australia. Mick returned to Mia Mia in 1952 where his first role was working in the vineyard. By the end of 1953 he had become the “semi-official” winemaker at Mia Mia. From that time his career as a widely recognised winemaker went from strength to strength, winning many prestigious awards. Mick is recognised as a pioneer of the Durif grape variety. In 1993 Mick’s son, David became a 5th generation winemaker. Morris is famous for producing some of the world’s finest fortified wines.
Away from the wine industry Mick has a strong interest in sport, particularly football. Since 1933, the Morris Medal for the Best and Fairest Player in the Ovens and Murray League has been awarded annually. This award was instigated by Charles Hughes Morris, Mick’s grandfather. Mick also played in the league.
Morris Wines of Rutherglen were purchased by Casella Family Brands in 2016.

Significance

This image depicts a renowned winemaker of Rutherglen who has made an outstanding contribution to the development of the Australian wine industry. He was also involved in his community and his family is recognised in the annual award of the Best and Fairest medal for the Ovens and Murray Football League.

Physical description

A black and white photograph of Charles Henry "Mick" Morris in the cellar at Mia Mia near Rutherglen, Victoria. The photo is in a metal frame.

Inscriptions & markings

On barrel in foreground: "FILTERED/ 4 OCT '93/ MIA FINO / 4 Hhds"