Who is Johnny Q?

Who is Johnny Q?

Literally bursting at the seams with character, Johnny Q, the creator of this delicious range of wines diligently watches over his range with an artful eye and a cheeky grin. In his spare time, Johnny Q judges’ wine around the world to keep an eye, a nose and mouthful of wine on the competition. With a hearty laugh and a round belly full of passion Johnny Q wants you to enjoy today, this moment and all the good things in life.​

Who is Johnny Q -
Who is Johnny Q -

For over 30 years John Quarisa has consistently been recognised and rewarded for his winemaking skill. John has received some of Australia’s top wine honours and in 2004 he was awarded the Jimmy Watson Trophy in Melbourne and Stodart Trophy in Brisbane, reaching the pinnacle of Australia’s wine show circuit.

On completing his Wine Science degree John has continuously worked on expanding his winemaking experience and has made wines for some of Australia’s largest and most well known brands.

From Casella Wines US phenomenon “Yellow-Tail”, to the multi-award-winning McWilliams Wines Hanwood Chardonnay, John has developed a reputation as a committed, quality winemaker.

John knows what it takes to make a wine that the world will love and how important it is to make a flawless wine that is recognised by not only the critical wine show circuit but the consumer as well. John’s career has included the instrumental development of Nugan Estate’s successful export strategy in his role as Chief Winemaker, forming the unique style of McWilliams Wines botrytis through the late 80s and early 90s and pursuing ultra-premium winemaking excellence and recognition at Casella Wines.

Wine Show Judge

Over the last decade, John has made a large contribution to improving Australian wine through his work as a wine show judge. He has participated at many of Australia’s most recognised wine shows both Nationally and Regionally including; Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney, Perth, Canberra, Cairns, Griffith, Cowra, Swan Hill, Seymour, Mudgee, and NSW Small Winemakers. More recently John has been invited to participate at an international level, which is now his focus. By contributing as an International Judge, John is able to experience wines from all over the world as well as meet and learn from world-leading wine industry associates, including wine writers, buyers and other international winemakers. Today, John focuses on developing his Quarisa range of wines, and wine judging. Through education and personal development, John harnesses Australian and International influences in his wines.

Who is Johnny Q -

International Wine Judging Circuit

  • Australia
  • Perth Wine show
  • Brisbane Wine show
  • Canada
  • Selection Mondiales des Vins
  • China
  • Shanghai International Wine Challenge
  • France
  • Les Citadelles Du Vin
  • Germany
  • Mundus Vini
  • India
  • Indian Wine Challenge
  • Israel
  • Terravino Mediterranean Wine and Spirits
  • Challenge
  • Japan
  • Japanese Wine Challenge
  • New Zealand
  • New World Wine Awards
  • United Kingdom
  • International Wine Challenge
  • International Wine & Spirits Competition