We would like to introduce you to winemaking legend Chris Ringland’s long-time neighbours and friends: the Hobbs family. The Hobbs story began in 1998 when winemakers Greg & Allison Hobbs had their neighbour (and outstanding winemaker!!) Chris Ringland make their first few vintages. The Hobb’s vineyard is situated at the top of the Barossa Ranges, […]

Did you know that while whiskey is one of the world’s most common alcoholic drinks, it originates from one of the world’s smallest regions? True ‘Scotch Whiskey’ refers only to a whiskey made in Scotland, and even there, to claim that title it must have been aged for a minimum of three years in oak! […]

HOME OF AUSTRALIA’S PREMIUM RIESLING Located some 100km north of the Barossa and 140km north of Adelaide, this region produces some of Australia’s premium Riesling. The fruit produced here makes delicious wines with great depth and intensity. Elevation is one of the factors that make Clare such a prime region for grape growing – particularly […]

While many wine drinkers make their wine selection simply based upon a preferred variety (a nice pinot noir over a merlot for example) they can sometimes be quite surprised by the results in the bottle. And why should we find this unusual? While all wine labels must clearly state the variety, vineyard & vintage, they […]

SHIRAZ IS AUSTRALIA’S MOST IMPORTANT GRAPE VARIETY – AND HAS BEEN FOR OVER 180 YEARS. The key to its success is mainly shiraz’s versatility and willingness to reside in a wide variety of climates, from cool sites like the Great Southern, Grampian and Canberra districts to the temperate climes of the Clare Valley, Heathcote and […]

SO CLOSE TO THE BAROSSA… BUT SO DIFFERENT IN STYLE! The Eden Valley is an amazing region, capable of producing perfect cool climate wines from Chardonnay to Zinfandel, but is also recognised for its beautiful Shiraz and Riesling. Bordering the Barossa Valley, the Eden Valley’s altitude, cooler temperatures and cool nights produce wines with elegance […]

Regional Wine Shows While capital city shows accept entries from all over the county, the (smaller) regional shows are limited to the wines from their region. For instance the Royal Hobart Wine Show is a national show, while the Tasmanian Wine Show is limited to the Island’s wines. The Royal Adelaide Wine Show is national, […]

What is this 100 point system I keep hearing about in the wine world?? Robert Parker Junior published the subscription-based Wine Advocate for over 30 years, predicated on his ability to pick winners. The great 1982 Bordeaux reds were overlooked by the traditional English wine critics, but Parker trumpeted their virtues. He was right, and […]

From Run-Down Dairy Country to International Limelight in just 50 years… The universal awareness of the Margaret River Wine Region is such that it’s hard to believe that winegrowing on this pristine coastline began just over 50 years ago. Dr Tom Cullity planted experimental vines at Vasse Felix in 1967, making his first (disastrous) vintage […]

Why the Rhône region in France is commonly compared to Australia’s Barossa Valley… James Busby kick-started the Australian wine industry with a collection of 570 grape varieties shopped from France in 1831. His catalogue listed: No 1 Carignan No 2 Grenache No 3 Mataro No 9 Hermitage. … the latter now known as Shiraz/Syrah, the original […]