Pick the brains of one of Australia's leading winemakers

One of the most experienced winemakers in Australia is now available as a consultant.

Few folk know more about the wine industry than Kevin Glastonbury, who spent almost 27 years with Yalumba, including as chief red winemaker.

"I’m excited to announce a new chapter in my wine making journey," Glastonbury said recently on LinkedIn. "I'm open to freelance opportunities as a wine consultant at Blanche Box.

Glastonbury was custodian of Yalumba’s Rare & Fine reds for 27 vintages, shaping some of Australia’s most celebrated wines.

Over his career, the wines under hiscare have received 70+ trophies. Think labels like The Octavius, The Signature and The Caley.

Glastonbury has also been a respected wine judge across multiple Australian wine shows and former chair of the Barossa Wine Show committee.

"With deep experience in grenache, shiraz, cabernet and premium red blending, I’m now available for consultancy services, offering expertise in winemaking, tasting bench, oak regimes and brand-building," he says.

Also in his kitbag are masterclasses, marketing and mentoring.

KG, as he is known, is not only a terrific winemaker, but also a lovely man.

Yalumba pays tribute to three decades of loyal service

Yalumba will pay tribute to an employee who has given three decades of service when it release the 51st vintage of its icon The Signature red blend next month. 

The 2022 wine is dedicated not to a winemaker, or viticulturist, but to former executive director of sales for Australia and New Zealand, Paul Midolo.

The label of each release of the Barossa Cabernet Shiraz bears the signature and story of an individual who has made a significant contribution to the culture and traditions of Yalumba.

"This year, the decision was easy," said fifth-generation proprietor Robert Hill-Smith ."We are going to honour Paul Midolo, who started 29 years ago with us in Queensland as an area manager and within six months was invited to become a sales manager.

Midolo retired from Australia's oldest family owned winery in December.

"Paul has held a variety of key roles in Australian distribution, building a distinguished career that will be fully documented in time," Hill-Smith said.

"His impact has been immense, and his departure sees a significant amount of humour and wisdom leave our company. He will be deeply missed.

"Paul's ability to build strong relationships across the business with our sales teams, our principal partners, and customers is a testament to him as a person."

Midolo said: "It has been a great, fun journey. The biggest thing I will miss is the people, the interaction, the support. They have made my journey enjoyable."

The Yalumba team is very happy with the 2022 The Signature.

"The 2022 vintage presented cool and mild conditions, allowing the grapes to achieve their full potential, producing a wine of precision and generosity," said Yalumba senior red winemaker Kevin Glastonbury.

"It is very much in keeping with The Signature style that wine connoisseurs have come to know and expect."

Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz 2022 was released on May 1. 

I tasted it this week and it is an absolute ripper: beautifully composed with everything in its place. Elegant but with plenty of flavour; fruit and oak beautifully balanced. The ideal choice to take to a dinner party, or two share with fellow wine lovers. 

Glastonbury advises to decant it to enjoy now, or cellar for 15+ years. RRP $74.

See yalumba.com

Australian wine classic honours two major contributors

Yalumba has just released the 49th vintage of its The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz blend and the new release is dedicated to two signatories who have made a major contribution to the company: Yalumba winemaker Kevin Glastonbury and retired viticulturist Robin Nettelbeck.

Fifth-generation proprietor Robert Hill-Smith announced the signatories during his speech at the family winemaker’s annual Christmas celebration on the lawns of Yalumba.

“This legendary pair share the knowledge of Barossa soils and our wines, the commitment to quality and style that ensures the tradition of The Signature is never compromised,” said Hill-Smith.

Since 1962, each vintage release of this iconic Barossa Cabernet and Shiraz blend bears the signature and story of an individual who has made a significant contribution to the culture and traditions of Yalumba. On rare occasions, one vintage is dedicated to dual individuals or a collective.

Hill-Smith said: “This is vini and viti together. In our business, this is a unique and strong combination.

“We are lucky to have people who are so resilient and loyal and enjoy being part of what Yalumba has become and we never take it for granted.

“Over the last decade we have had one constant... stability of talent. People with knowledge of the soils and growers.”

Robin Nettelbeck is a fourth-generation Barossa grape grower who rose to be chief viticulturist overseeing the Hill-Smith Family Estate vineyards. He worked for the family for 45 years and retired last year.

“What an honour and privilege it is to receive this award,” said Nettelbeck .

“With the exception of this Signatory accolade, I believe my greatest achievement is the initiation, growth, and success of the Yalumba Nursery. Through our clonal research and development there has been a seismic shift in grape quality reflected in all our wines.”

Glastonbury began his journey with Yalumba in 1999 and has made the iconic red wines that define Yalumba, including The Caley, The Octavius, The Tri-Centenary and The Signature.

“KG is absolutely committed to his growers, and to the vineyards," said Hill-Smith,

"He pushes the boundaries and is mentor to many, including the young winemakers in our team.”

“I hope my custodianship will be remembered as an era of refinement and great style, Glastonbury said. “Over the years I have watched Signatories accept their honour, teary and humbled - it puts what I do into perspective.”

Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz 2019 is now available through the Yalumba Wine Room, fine wine retailers and at www.yalumba.com with an RRP of $65.00.