Well-known Katherinites Steven Rose and Danny Murphy have entered a delicious mango and dragonfruit drop in the S03 division of this year’s homebrew competition but are gearing up for a bigger and better showing in 2016 when they unveil a unique mango, dragonfruit and rosella wine.

To ensure their entry is a cut above the rest, they have enlisted the assistance of backpacker Benjamin Louf – who coincidentally also happens to be a winemaker from France’s Loire Valley– to keep an eye on the fermentation process while he is staying in the region.

Mr Louf said he had jumped at the opportunity to make wine with more than grapes.

“It’s the first time I’ve done it with other fruits than grapes,” he said.

“The rosella builds up the acidity.”

While he was quietly confident that his 2015 entry would garner favour with the judges, Mr Rose said he believed next year’s entry would impress even more.

“I’m expecting this [mango, dragonfruit and rosella] to be a top-shelf wine next year, if there’s any left,” he laughed.

“It’s like a baby with a pulse.

“I’m enjoying the process, even though I’m not a real big wine drinker.”