Marx takes the reins at historic Sevenhill

Sevenhill Cellars in the Clare Valley has only had nine previous winemakers over its 175-year history.

Ben Marx, appointed this week as chief winemaker, is the 10th.

The Australian Province of the Society of Jesus - The Jesuits - and the board of Sevenhill Cellars made the announcement as the winery celebrated 175 years of continuous operation.

Marx is described as "a widely experienced and highly awarded winemaker and grape grower".

He joins Sevenhill after winemaking roles at Knappstein and Jim Barry Wines and brings what Sevenhill says is "a deep understanding of Clare’s viticultural landscape, a firm grounding in its traditions and a clear vision for its stylistic evolution".

Founded in 1851, Sevenhill is the Clare Valley’s foundation winery and for its first 150 years winemaking was conducted by Jesuits. Marx becomes only the third non-Jesuit winemaker in 175 years, following Liz Heidenreich and Will Shields.

In addition to its award-winning contemporary wines, Sevenhill is the leading producer of sacramental wines in the Asia-Pacific region.

“After seven years at Jim Barry’s I am more than excited to join the team at Sevenhill Cellars - a new challenge, a fruit resource second to none and a team committed to not only be around for another 175 years but also to make wine of global benchmark quality," Marx said.

"With some major developments happening over the next few years and the commitment of the Jesuits, I can’t wait to get started.”

Wine range celebrates a 1969 "masterstroke"

You have to be impressed by the consistency shown by Adam Eggins and the winemaking team at Clare Valley-based Taylors Wines.

From budget releases to high-end flagships like The Visionary, The Legacy and The Pioneer, Taylors releases deliver bang for your buck.

You’ll probably be familiar with several of the ranges produced by the Taylor family - who are among Australia’s top 20 producers in terms of volume and now source fruit from across South Australia.

The ranges start with budget Promised Land wines and include Taylors Estate, Taylor Made, TWP and Jaraman, heading upwards to the St Andrews range - named after the Taylors’ 1892-established property in the Clare Valley.

In many markets the wines are labelled as Wakefield Estate, given the pesky international presence of a venerable port producer laying claim to the name Taylors.

The 2025 Family Flagship Release features wines from the Masterstroke range - showcase a less publicised trio of reds.

“The Family Flagship Release is always a proud moment for us here in the Taylors winemaking team, and this year is no exception," says Eggins.

"We are showcasing some of the most special vintages we’ve experienced here in the Clare Valley – think 2022 as an absolute standout."

The Masterstoke wines are the 2020 Masterstroke Shiraz, McLaren Vale, the 2021 Masterstroke Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra, and the 2022 Masterstroke Cabernet Shiraz, Clare Valley (all $60 rrp) .

I thought the Coonawarra cabernet was an absolute ripper - composed and delicious- with the others not far behind.

The name Masterstroke celebrates the decision patriarch Bill Taylor Snr. made when he established the family winery in the Clare Valley in 1969. He recognised the potential for the region to produce outstanding table wines.

"This range offers the ultimate expressions of varietal character and champions the regional terroir of three diverse South Australian wine regions where each varietal shines," the Taylor family says.

Award-winning landscape photographer Benjamin Goode has captured each of the three wine regions and his images are featured on each of the wine bottles in the range.

For more info see www.taylorswines.com.au

Accor adds four Elanor hotels to its Australian portfolio

Four high-profile Elanor Investors Group hotels in Australia are to be re-branded to Accor properties next month. 

Byron Bay Hotel and Apartments will re-brand to The Sebel Byron Bay, Barossa Weintal will re-brand to Mercure Barossa Valley, Clare Country Club will re-brand to Peppers Clare Valley and Adabco Boutique Hotel Adelaide (above) will re-brand to Mantra Wakefield Adelaide. 

The brand conversions "will enable each hotel to benefit from Accor's powerful global distribution, award-winning loyalty platform ALL Accor, and deep regional expertise".

The rebranding of Peppers Clare Valley and Mantra Wakefield Adelaide will follow the completion of planned refurbs. 

The Sebel Byron Bay marks Accor's return to Byron Bay. 

The switches are being delivered in collaboration with 1834 Hotels, which manages the assets of the fund and will oversee day-to-day operations. 

Adrian Williams, Chief Operating Officer of Accor in the Pacific region, said: “We're thrilled to welcome these outstanding hotels and resorts into the Accor network and to deepen our long-standing partnership with both Elanor and 1834 Hotels.

"These hotels are well positioned in key regional and leisure destinations and we are confident they will see immediate benefit from our scale, systems and support. By joining our franchise network, each hotel gains access to Accor's global distribution system and award-winning loyalty programme - ALL Accor. We take a sophisticated and hands-on approach to franchising, working closely with our partners to provide the tools, insights and local support they need to succeed.”

Changing of the guard at Jim Barry Wines

The next generation has taken control at leading Clare Valley wine producer Jim Barry Wines. 

The business has announced a succession plan that sees the third generation of the Barry family take over the reins of the business.

After more than 40 years at the helm, Peter Barry will step down as managing directot Managing and hand over the leadership to his sons, Tom and Sam. 

Both have been heavily involved in the day-to-day running of the business for the past 15 years,
serving as director of winemaking and director of sales, respectively.

Founded by Jim and Nancy Barry in 1959, Jim Barry Wines is one of the Clare Valley’s most respected family-owned wineries. 

Peter Barry, who joined the business in 1977 and became managing director in 1985, has been the driving force behind Jim Barry Wines’ national and
international success.

“I have enjoyed being focused on a goal of making wines that are respected nationally and internationally and enhancing the reputation of the world-class
winemaking area, which I am fortunate enough to call home,” Peter Barry said.

"We’ve never been in the business of standing still. My job, with the wise assistance of my wife Sue, was to build on what Mum and Dad started, and now it’s time for the next generation to do the same.

“Tom and Sam have worked incredibly hard over the past 15 years, learning all facets of the business, and I
couldn’t be prouder and more pleased to pass the baton to them.

“Tom and Sam will take on the joint managing director role, supported by a strong leadership team they’ve helped shape over the past five years. They will also
continue to lead their respective areas in winemaking and global sales, bringing their energy, strategic vision, and a deep understanding of the family’s vineyards
to the forefront of the business.”

The new leadership will also be supported by sister Olivia Barry, who continues as Brand Ambassador, and Olivia Hoffmann-Barry (Tom’s wife), who leads the
company’s marketing efforts as  director of marketing. 

Taylors Wines rings in changes at the top

 

Mitchell Taylor, who has spent 25 years as managing director of Taylors Wines/Wakefield and is also CEO, will step into a new role as chairman of the board. 

The new CEO of the Clare Valley-based winery will be John Freeman, who spent 16 years with Delegat Group in New Zealand and Australia. He will begin on July 21. 

The company says the switch will allow Mitchell Taylor to focus his energy on family business ownership, overall strategy, vision, and succession planning for Taylors Wines while mentoring the next generation of business leaders.

“Mitchell’s knowledge and experience within Taylors and the Australian wine industry is second to none," said current chair David Ansell. 

"In his new role as chair, he will provide the continuity and insight we need to unlock the next chapter of this Australian success story.” 

Mitchell Taylor said Taylors Wines was well positioned to grow its business in Australia and across the
world.

“I am proud of our achievements over many years, particularly the premiumisation of our family brand with the St Andrews and Jaraman ranges, as well as our pinnacle wines, The Visionary, The Pioneer, and The Legacy," he said.

"It has been our ambition to elevate the quality of Taylors Wines with our skilled viticulture and
winemaking teams, resulting in major awards globally and making us the third-largest and number one family brand by value in the Australian wine market."

Freeman said he was excited about the opportunity to join Taylors Wines. 

“There is enormous potential to build on this legacy, expand our market presence, and accelerate our growth agenda," he said. 

"I look forward to working closely with Mitchell, the Taylor family, the board, and the entire team to continue delivering exceptional wines to consumers around the world.”

See www.taylorswines.com.au

Jim Barry adopts lightweight bottle for 2024 rieslings

Even small steps are good steps when it comes to helping protect the environment.

Leading Clare Valley wine producer Jim Barry Wines has launched a new proprietary lightweight riesling bottle, which is says reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability.

Its reasons: to reduce the overall environmental impact of the business, and significantly lower the company’s carbon footprint.

Beginning with the award-winning Watervale Riesling, which celebrated 50 vintages in 2023, the new bottle is 48 grams lighter than a standard riesling bottle.

The winery says that although this seems minimal, it equates to a total reduction in glass usage of 48 tonnes per year.

“As the market leader for premium Australian riesling, we are excited to be the first to produce a proprietary light-weight riesling bottle,” says sales and marketing director Sam Barry,

“This bottle plays a critical role in the future sustainability of the sector.”

The Clare Valley, of course, has a history of innovation.

The region was the first in Australia to collectively embrace the screwcap in 2000 and the new lightweight bottle is billed as the next evolution of that innovative thinking.

“Our family have always worked to minimise our environmental impact," Sam Barry says.

"This bottle in just one way we are reducing our carbon footprint and ensuring our business is sustainable for future generations.”

Jim Barry Wines is now a Toitu – carbonreduce-certified organisation. The business is also a member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia and will undertake the certification audit in October 2024.

The new lightweight bottles will begin appearing on the market in the coming weeks, and will eventually be used for all Jim Barry Wines rieslings for the 2024 vintage.

Major milestone for Australia's original wine and gourmet celebration

It was Australia's first food and wine festival: and many would say it remains the benchmark. 

The Clare Valley SCA Gourmet Week - held in one of Australia's most beautiful wine regions - is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and has announced its 2024 program, which features more than 85 events,

The 10-day festival can be enjoyed in three parts; Festival Weekend (May 17-19), Breathe It In (May 20-24) and Land of the Long Lunch (May 25-26) and kicks off with new events, including Fire and Wines at Skillogalee Estate with Africola ace Duncan Welgemoed cooking over fire. 

Another debutant is Sip, Savour, Celebrate: A Homage to 40 Years of Clare Valley Gourmet at Pikes Wines’ Slate Restaurant - a culinary journey over five courses and a walk down memory lane with a re-creation of dishes over the four decades of Gourmet. 

The official 50th birthday party for Knappstein Wines will be the VinoVibe Fest, which will include a fusion of flavours, melodies and festive good times. 

Guests can round out each day with The Sailing Club – the Unofficial Afterparty at the Clare Showgrounds. 

The team from Mitchell Wines (above) will be marking their 50th birthday during the event. 

Crowd favourites returning including the Cellars without Doors Degustation Dinner on the Friday night, where wines from winemakers who do not have cellar doors are matched with a six-course degustation dinner by state Chef of the Year Nicola Palmer at the stunning Watervale Hotel. 

Many of the region’s favourite cellar doors will open in collaboration with pop-up restaurants, food vans and live music with shuttle buses operating on constant loops, linking the valley over the weekends.

At the Sevenhill Cellars' new event space, winemaker Will Shields will showcase 2024 vintage samples while guests sitting around a campfire. 

Shiraz will star at Explore Kilikanoon Shiraz, where guests can compare different bottles of shiraz across the Kilikanoon range. 

Returning to the program is Wines by KT Clare Valley Gourmet Sips From the Cellar, which will feature tastings of museum wine flights as well as current release wines.

The event wraps up with The Land of the Long Lunch, featuring events in both unique locations and well-loved venues. 

Some of Clare’s most celebrated Clare Valley “wine industry” women, Ali Paulett, Kerri Thompson and Marnie Roberts, will host a tasting matched with light plates to highlight the diversity of people, wine and the Clare Valley environment at Navigating Diversity. 

Gourmet ambassador Nick Ryan - one of Australia’s leading wine writers - said the festival is the original and the best.

“I spend my life travelling to the greatest wine regions across the globe, and there is only one that I choose to call home," he said. 

"The Clare Valley is quintessentially Australian and a special part of the world. The wineries here consistently deliver phenomenal wine and Gourmet Week is a great opportunity to experience everything this region has to offer, and I can guarantee you will have a great time doing it.” 

# To mark the 40th anniversary, a special Clare Valley Wine Hall of Fame Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation will be held at O’Leary Walker Wines on the evening of Friday, May 24. 

Clare Valley SCA Gourmet Week is presented by the Clare Valley Wine & Grape Association and sponsored by Southern Cross Austereo. 

For details see clarevalleygourmet.com.au. 

Images: Matt Turner images 

Family celebrates 50 consecutive vintages of an Australian wine icon

Jim Barry Wines is turning the clock back 50 years with the release of its 2023 Watervale Riesling. 

The family-owned Clare Valley winery is commemorating 50 consecutive vintages of its Watervale riesling with a limited-edition label.

The "groovy" 70s-inspired label pays tribute to the popular wine's birth year of 1974.

Sales and marketing director Sam Barry said the winery is proud of how this brand has grown
over the years - and three generations. 

“The Watervale Riesling has been a constant in our portfolio since our winery was built in 1974, and
it is the only wine that we have consistently produced every vintage since then,” Sam said.

“Its success is in its quality and consistency - the consumer knows what to expect every time they open
a bottle." 

Third generation winemaker Tom Barry said that while the style of the wine has evolved over the 50 years, the quality of the fruit has remained the same, and he hopes consumers will love the funky new label. 

“The fruit for this wine was originally sourced from a property owned by my grandparents, Jim and
Nancy Barry, in Watervale,” he said. “When my dad, Peter, and his brothers purchased the historic
Florita vineyard in 1986, production was able to increase considerably.”

“The balance achieved between fruit concentration and acid in 2023 s outstanding.” 

The 2023 Jim Barry Watervale Riesling is available at all major retailers throughout Australia.

UPDATE: I have just tried the wine and it is exceptional value. Classic Clare lemon/lime sherbet characters and refreshingly zingy acidity make it a delicious option on a summer day, or later on with a fish supper. Definitely under-priced with an RRP of $22. 

Taylors raises the bar with new cellar door and tasting experiences

Taylors Wines this week opened the doors of its new Clare Valley cellar door after the completion of a multi-million dollar project on the property. 

The new tasting facility is the first significant update to Taylors’ hospitality offering since the winery was established in 1969. 

The development sees Taylors move from its existing cellar door in the main winery building on the property to a newly developed site: an extension from the original homestead located on the front lawn.

“This is the beginning of an exciting new era for our family winery," said third-generation vigneron and managing director Mitchell Taylor. "We wanted to elevate the experience with this new cellar door, so there are no half measures. 

“Every detail in the project is considered, with design features that are sophisticated while being warm and inviting. The space truly reflects our family and the Taylors story, and we hope it will be the first point of call for visitors to our wonderful region.”

The new cellar door features five distinct areas for visitors: the Main Tasting Room, The Courtyard, The East Patio, The Event Pavilion, and the Collector’s Club members' tasting room. 

The main entry features Taylors’  three seahorse emblem in weathered steel. The use of limestone is  a feature of the facade and walls, alluding to how the Taylor family discovered fossilised seahorses in the vineyard’s limestone bedrock when they established the estate over 50 years ago.

The tasting counter features Enomatic wine serving systems to preserve premium wines while the central feature of the main tasting room is a bronze-green tiled circular fireplace surrounded by cosy lounge chairs and furniture featuring American oak and soft leather. 

The private Collector’s Club members' room sits beside the main tasting room, offering groups of up to 18 a comfortable space in which to conduct hosted tastings and events. This area offers guests 180-degree views of the lawn and vineyards to the east of the property. 

There are two outdoor areas designed for guests to enjoy on the Clare Valley’s sunny days. 

“Our goal has been to create a space that epitomises both Taylors Wines and the Clare Valley - it's an original style all of its own,” Kristina Soggee, senior project architect at GP Architects, said. 

Also new is a range of new tasting experiences including wine and cheese and wine and chocolate tastings. 

For serious wine lovers the Flagship Wines Tasting Experience showcases wines from the Taylors Masterstroke and St Andrews ranges, along with the exceptional parcel release wines, The Visionary Cabernet Sauvignon and The Pioneer Shiraz. 

See www.taylorswines.com.au/visit-us-cellar-door.

Images: Anson Smart

A new role for one of the busiest men in the wine industry

 

Mitchell Taylor, one of the busiest men in the wine industry, has taken on yet another role. 

Taylor is the new chairman of the peak regional association for the Clare Valley wine industry, Clare Valley Wine & Grape Association (CVWGA). 

The Taylors Wines managing director and winemaker, and key mover in the Australia's First Families of Wine group, is the first Chair appointee who is a member of the Association since the amalgamation of the Clare Valley Winemakers Incorporated and Clare Region Winegrape Growers Association in 2018. 

This appointment "signifies the board’s priority for a local leader with strong ties to the national wine industry, which will provide confidence to members during a challenging era for the Australian wine industry" - a press release tells me. 

Taylor brings proven experience to the role, including two consecutive board memberships with Wine Australia, and as a director of the Drinks Association, as well as being past chairman of Australia’s First Families of Wine. 

“I’m honoured to be taking on the role of chairman for the Clare Valley Wine & Grape Association, and I thank the board for their trust in me during what is a noticeably difficult time for both the region and the greater wine industry,” Taylor said.

“We’ve just come off our lowest vintage crush in over two decades, and global trade and financial pressures continue to stress the industry’s supply chain. 

"But Clare has a long and celebrated history of resilience and innovation on its side to carry us through. I am eager to collaborate with my regional colleagues to promote the Clare Valley as one of Australia’s premier wine regions in the world - for both our wine and world-class experiences."

Taylor’s role as chairman is effective from 1st September. He will work alongside the CVWGA Board, which includes Ali Paulett (Paulett Wines), Grant Carr (Braeside Vineyards), Penny Lion (Bourke & Travers), Hilary Mitchell (Mitchell Wines), Annette Hovey (Independent Board Member), Matt Schultz (Taylors Wines), and Olivia Hoffmann Barry (Jim Barry Wines).

New chef for Clare Valley hotspot

SLATE, the Pike family's Clare Valley winery restaurant, has a new chief with the appointment of Louis Ritchie in the dual roles of head chef and restaurant manager. 

Ritchie will take responsibility for both the kitchen and front of house operations.

The Clare Valley local joins the Pikes team after eight years working at Seed Clare Valley, where he was head chef for three years. 

“Louis’s passion, energy and well-rounded knowledge of both kitchen and front of house 
put him in a fantastic position to drive the experience at SLATE Restaurant forward,” says managing director Jamie Pike. 

“He has played a key role in the development and delivery of an exceptional customer experience at Seed over many years and given the freedom and support from 
the broader Pikes team, we are very excited to see what he can deliver at SLATE.”

Ritchie says: “I’m really excited by the opportunity. The amount of amazing estate-grown produce here is incredible, and really resonates with my approach to cooking, which is all about creating food that allows fresh local produce to shine without complications.

“The venue itself also has lots of potential, and we’ll be exploring what options we have to create more amazing experiences at SLATE Restaurant.”

He says the menu will "always evolving: as well as estate grown fruit and vegetables, expect to see a lot of locally grown, ethically-raised protein that we will butcher in house 
to make use of the whole animal.

“The Pikes Beer Garden menu will be fun, exciting, unpretentious and just downright delicious."

Jamie Pike says SLATE has survived the challenges of Covid and is ready to thrive. 

"Our family remains staunch in our commitment to offer one of the best food and wine tourism

experiences in Australia and I know from experiencing his food, Louis has the capability to help us deliver on that.”

Pikes Wines was established in 1984 and is a located at Polish Hill River. 

Clare Valley gears up for 10 days of wine and food experiences

What used to be a gourmet weekend is now a 10-day wine and food festival.

The 2023 Clare Valley Gourmet Week starts on Friday and will feature 80 events across 35 venues in one of Australia's prettiest wine regions, including Pauletts Wines (above).

Whether you’re after a one-day experience or can make a weekend or week of it, the festival can be enjoyed in three parts; Festival Weekend (May 19-21), Breathe It In (May 22-26) and Land of the Long Lunch (May 27-28).

“The response to this year’s program has been terrific," says event organiser Belinda Heinrich of the Clare Valley Wine & Grape Association.

"This is our largest program to date with venues reporting huge increases on ticket sales and nearly half of the events already sold out but, there are still must-attend events on offer."

The first weekend of what is believed to Australia's longest-running wine and food events features several highlights including Mitchell Wines hosting rebel chef Duncan Welgemoed, a Paella Party at Pikes, and Riesling and Oysters at  Knappstein Wines.     

The festival features ticketed and free events, and wine lovers and foodies are encouraged to book their experiences at clarevalleygourmet.com.au.

Image: Matt Turner      

Generational change in the Clare Valley

There is a changing of the guard on the way at leading Clare Valley wine producer Pikes. 

The family-owned and -operated Pikes is ushering in a new era, with second-generation Jamie Pike (left) appointed as managing director.

He will take the reins from outgoing CEO Wayne Butcher, who will remain working in a full-time capacity at Pikes until end of June 2023 to allow a smooth transition, and completion of several key projects. 

The switch follows the retirement of Pikes co-founder, owner, managing director and viticulturalist Andrew Pike (right), who stepped back from day-to-day operations in July of this year. Earlier, his winemaker brother Neil Pike retired and set up his own business: Limefinger. 

“The Pike family and our broader team are extremely sad to see Wayne leave our business; he has had a profound impact over his nearly 11 years at Pikes," says Jamie Pike. 

Having overseen significant growth in the company, as well as improvements in policy implementation, business analytics, and played a pivotal role in the development of a strong culture at Pikes. 

"He has been a much loved and respected leader and colleague and will remain a close friend to the Pike family and team members. 

"We thank him for his many years of service, and for the way in which he has enabled us to transition smoothly into the next generation of leadership.” 

The winemaking and viticulture team led by Steve Baraglia (chief winemaker) and vineyard manager Michael Harrold will remain unchanged. 

Jamie Pike has grown up in the family business and was only a few months old when Pikes Wines was established in the spring of 1984. He achieved his Bachelor of Wine Marketing at the University of Adelaide in 2007. 

“I am both excited and humbled by this opportunity” he says. “It’s a wonderful company to be a part of, and I am in a privileged position to be able to lead such a capable and passionate team that put so much of themselves into their work. I look forward to continuing the Pikes legacy in the wine and beer industry and would like to thank my family and the board for their confidence in appointing me as managing director. 

Pikes’ activities have grown over the years to now include a craft brewery [Pikes Beer Co.], modern tasting room and Slate Restaurant. 

Multi-million dollar cellar door expansion in the Clare Valley

South Australian winery Taylors has revealed an ambitious multi-million dollar project to construct a new cellar door at its Clare Valley estate - with preparations underway for a planned April 2023 opening.

Family-owned Taylors has announced a team of designers and builders for the project and released the image above.

The Clare Valley brand will relocate its cellar door offering to a new building adjacent to the original homestead on the grassy lawns of the property. The current cellar door has been largely unchanged since the winery was founded in 1969.

Taylors has called upon South Australia-based experts GP Architects, Cook Building and Georgie Shepherd Interior Design for what will be the first major upgrade in over 50 years.

"The Clare Valley has quickly become a feature region for travellers looking to immerse themselves in gourmet food and wine experiences," says third-generation Taylors Wines managing director Mitchell Taylor.

"Producers in the area have stepped up to deliver world-class facilities to meet that demand.

"Our cellar door is a fantastic place to showcase our world-renowned wines, but we have plenty of room to grow, and this exciting next step will mean that yet more guests can experience the Clare Valley and our award-winning wines.

"The build and interiors team we've assembled has done an incredible job at capturing what we want guests to experience when they visit Taylors Wines."

GP Architects has also worked on the Watervale Hotel, Pikes Wines and Slate Visitor Centre, and Pikes Beer Company Micro Brewery.

"This is an exciting project which will breathe new life into an already beautiful existing space on the Taylors property - it's something we are passionate about working on," said Kristina Soggee, senior project architect from GP Architects.

"We have spent a great deal of time working with the cellar door team at Taylors to get a deep understanding of how they would like to use the space, enhance their cellar door offering, and function as a tourist site to create a unique build that compliments the existing heritage homestead on site."

See www.taylorswines.com.au

A seriously fun Clare gourmet experience

Just about every town in regional Australia would like to have a “local” like the Watervale Hotel.

The up-market pub in a Clare Valley hamlet offers a wide range of drinks, several special spaces, gourmet food offerings and a lovely beer garden.

The hotel is part of a culinary project for Nicola Palmer (below), whose family used to own Skillogalee Wines, and former wine industry entrepreneur Warrick Duthy.

The couple purchased the local pub in 2017 and have subsequently renovated and extended it into a regional showcase.

The hotel’s premium experience is the Six Senses Penobscot Farm Tour followed by a six-course degustation dinner. Each course can be matched to Clare Valley wines or farm produce mocktails.

The couple recommends shared-plate feasts for group bookings.

The Farm Feast highlights organic vegetables from Penobscot Farm - owned by Palmer and Duthy - lamb from Martindale Farm and Greenslade’s free-range chicken, while the Gourmet Feast is a step up to dishes such as ceviche, carpaccio, and tomahawk steak.

Alternatively, there is an a la carte menu, along with a beverage list that promotes Clare Valley products with pub grub like meatballs and empanadas.

The menu is a constantly changing feast, but perhaps think dishes along the lines of wood-fired Spencer Gulf sardines and fresh baby fennel with blood orange, or perhaps seared duck breast with red and golden beetroot (below) paired with roast purple congo potatoes.   

A wine flight experience can be booked between 5-7pm for $40 that includes stuffed olives. This features four wines selected to celebrate the diversity of Clare Valley terroir.

The wine list showcases a range of Watervale rieslings and no fewer than 25 different grape varieties grown in the region.

The Watervale Hotel also has its own six-bedroom guesthouse next door that can sleep up to six couples. Farm tours, in-house chefs or dining packages can be added.

I revisited last week for a dinner hosted by Grosset Wines and Mount Horrocks and was again blown away by the professionalism of the team - and the sheer range of gourmet activities offered by these "ethical epicureans".

This is a local drinking haunt, restaurant and functions space in one. Well worth a trip.    

See https://watervalehotel.com.au/

New owner gives Skillogalee a new look

 

The new owner of Skillogalee Wines in the Clare Valley has unveiled a new look for the launch of the winery’s 2022 vintage releases. 

Skillogalee’s future releases will feature a new brand identity and packaging.

The 2022 Riesling features a design that reinterprets the contours of the vineyards. 

South Australian-raised owner Simon Clausen, who purchased Skillogalee from the Palmer family in 2021, says the design honours Skillogalee’s rich history of achievement and passion while embracing a new era.

The Clausen family took over the custodianship of Skillogalee in July 2021 from Dave and Diana Palmer.

“We know how much people love Skillogalee and we really treasure that,” Clausen says. “Everyone has a Skillogalee story and this redesign is the next step as Skillogalee continues to evolve and grow.”

The 2022 Riesling is also the first with Skillogalee’s consultant winemaker and Clare Valley icon Kerri (KT) Thompson, at the official helm of the winemaking.

“Skillogalee is a special place to many of us and how lovely it is to be a part of its continued celebration,” she says.

“Our small, dedicated team remain committed to creating delicious wines expressing Skillogalee’s spirit and story and this new release from a cracker vintage is a great place to start.”

The verdict: Floral and citrus aromas lead to tangy grapefruit on the palate, flinty minerality and some zingy acid, along with impressive structure. A winner.   

See www.skillogalee.com.au/

Tasting with masters of the craft

It is an invitation any wine lover would be crazy to turn down. 

Taste through decades of wines from Clare Valley style setters Grosset and Mount Horrocks, two of Australia’s leading producers of fine rieslings.  

Grosset has been owned and operated by Jeffrey Grosset for 42 years. Mount Horrocks is operated by his partner Stephanie Toole and has a 30-year history.  

Both operations are certified organic and biodynamic and are leaders in promoting those styles of sustainable winemaking. 

Our group; two distributors, leading wine writers Huon Hooke, Jeni Port, Nick Ryan, Max Allen and myself got the chance to look through stylistic changes and back vintages right through to the new-release 2022 wines. 

“The 2022 wines should reflect one of the great years,” Grosset says. “The purity of fruit was remarkable, particularly following the amazing 2021 vintage.” 

Both labels began buying fruit from growers but then purchased land and planted their own preferred selection of clones.  From the start they cut out all chemicals.  

For those interested in how these tastings work, here are a couple of images. 

And there is more to come. Lucky us. 

Less is more for Taylors

I love half bottles of wine. 

Perfect if you want a glass or two of white followed by a red with the main course. 

Unfortunately, half bottles have largely fallen out of vogue - but Clare Valley-based family winery Taylors has unveiled a selection of half-sized bottles featuring its Jaraman range of regional blends. 

The Jaraman range is known for showcasing the terroirs of two distinctly different wine regions. 

For its initial release of 375ml bottles, Taylors has selected its 2020 Jaraman Clare Valley and Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon (RRP $20), 2020 Jaraman Clare Valley and McLaren Vale Shiraz (RRP $20) and the 2021 Jaraman Adelaide Hills and Clare Valley Chardonnay (RRP $15).

“It’s exciting to share these incredible wines in a half-size format,” says managing director Mitchell Taylor. 

“The wine-drinking occasion has changed a lot over the years from the traditional wine at home with a meal. More and more people want to enjoy premium quality wines at a picnic without carrying an entire bottle or worrying about any wine wastage. 

“The half-bottle format in the Jaraman range does just the trick.”

Wine Intelligence reports there has been a steady rise in awareness for alternative packaging formats in wine, accentuated by the impacts of Covid-19 on drinking occasions. 

It is noted in the research that “younger drinkers (Gen Z and Millennials) are more likely to consider purchasing a range of alternative packaging as they consider them a suitable choice for people like them.

“There have been so many new and exciting innovations in wine pack formats, but ultimately the desire for a premium quality wine is paramount,” Taylor says. 

The new Jaraman half-bottles will be available from select independent retailers, from Taylors cellar door, and online at www.taylorswines.com.au.

Exploring the Clare Valley on foot, in style

The Clare Valley is undoubtedly one of the most scenic wine regions in Australia and a newly launched walk through the region is aimed at food and wine buffs who also enjoy an entertaining meander to work up an appetite.

The Life's An Adventure Clare walk runs over three days with guests being picked up from, and returned to the Hilton Hotel in Adelaide, two hours away.

The Clare is one of the oldest and best-known wine regions in Australia with plenty of history and some delightful cellar doors and pubs to be enjoyed.

This walk is just as much about wine and food as it is about walking.

There are two dinners, two breakfasts and three lunches featured, including two long winery lunches.

Accommodation for both nights is at Bungaree Station - a heritage-listed historic country retreat with a history that dates back to 1841.

The initial walk will be from May 27-29 with more dates to be announced, and groups will be limited to 12 people.

 


Highlights include lunch at the delightful Skilogalee winery, an a la carte dinner or degustation at the superbly renovated Watervale Hotel (above) and lunch at Pauletts Wines and Bush DeVine Restaurant, where the views are magnificent.

Tastings range from one-man operation Mad Bastard to bigger operations like family-owned Taylor's.

All the walks are pack-free - guests just carry a small day pack. The trails comprise largely back roads, road reserves and private property and there is a local guide on hand at all times.

the first day walk is around 10km, the second day 12-14km and the third day 10km - all easily manageable.

This link has further details and how to book:

https://www.lifesanadventure.com.au/tours/3-day-clare-valley-wine-wilderness-walk/

Clare Valley Gourmet Week returns for its 38th year

The Clare Valley Gourmet Week returns for its 38th year in 2022, showcasing award-winning wines, local produce and characters, heritage buildings and probably the most quintessentially Australian landscape of any wine region.

The flagship food and wine event for South Australia's Mid-North will again feature a week-long format, with the event incorporating up to 30 wineries and restaurants, offering more than 40 events.

Beginning with the traditional festival weekend, the region’s favourite cellar doors will open in collaboration with pop-up restaurants, food vans and live music.

Shuttle buses will be operating on constant loops, linking venues across the valley over the two days of May 14-15.

Then, during the week, a range of events will be popping up across the region.

Eventgoers can dine under the stars in the heart of the Eldredge Wines vineyard while learning about the constellations above; or take an art class on the lawns of Sevenhill Cellars allowing their creative side to flourish in one of the state’s most beautiful and historic locations.

There will be the chance to put sensory skills to the test in a wine blending workshop or traverse the valley on a wine and wilderness hike, finishing with lunch at Skillogalee Restaurant.

The week's festivities will conclude with the inaugural Land of the Long Lunch event on May 21.

Several long lunches will be presented in collaboration with restaurants and local and interstate food personalities, showcasing the very best regional produce and wine.

Belinda Heinrich, the event spokesperson, says that the diversity of the Clare Valley food and wine community is really evident in this year’s program of events.

“From intimate wine tasting and blending experiences, cooking and wine masterclasses, long lunches, to garden parties, picnics and markets; the 2022 Clare Valley SCA Gourmet Week has it all,” she says.

“We encourage visitors to jump on a bus from Adelaide, stay for the weekend or organise a group itinerary to enjoy the very best that the festival has to offer.”

See www.clarevalleygourmet.com.au