Dr Seuss lands next to the d'Arenberg Cube

The whimsical artworks of Dr Seuss are back in Australia - at the d'Arenberg winery in McLaren Vale.

Harvey Galleries is presenting The Art of Dr Seuss in association with Art Evolution and d’Arenberg, Ultimate Winery Experiences reports.

From this weekend until April 26, 2026, a selection of art works from The Art of Dr Seuss Collection will be on display at the Modern Masters Marquee, adjacent to the d'Arenberg Cube.

Admission is free and visitors can explore and buy works from Dr Seuss’s best-known children’s books, as well as The Secret Art of Dr Seuss, a collection based on decades of artwork, which Seuss created at night for his own personal pleasure.

Perhaps the wackiest elements of the collection are Dr Seuss’s three-dimensional Unorthodox Taxidermy sculptures with names such as Carbonic Walrus, Powerless Pufferfish, and Flaming Herring or Seasick Walrus.



Theodor Seuss Geisel was an American children's author, illustrator, animator, and cartoonist. He is known for his work writing and illustrating over 60 books under the pen name Dr Seuss

For more info see https://www.darenberg.com.au/dr-seuss/

Get ready for a summer fiano festa

 

Are you ready for a fiano frenzy?

Fiano is a white Italian wine grape that is grown primarily in the Campania region of southern Italy and on the island of Sicily.

It is a variety that is enjoying a serious moment in Australia - particularly during summer - and has been championed by Corrina Wright at Oliver's Taranga in McLaren Vale.

In the 2025 vintage, the fiano crush in Australia was worth over $3.7 million. And predictions are that the fiano boom will continue.

"Here at Oliver’s Taranga, we’ve been growing fiano since 2004, following our friends at Chalmers who brought this Italian varietal into Australia," Wright says,

"It’s now one of our most sought-after wines."

Wright is affectionately known as the Queen of Fiano for her love of the variety.

"Of course, as with all ‘emerging’ grape varieties, we have some work to do in introducing the broader wine consumer to fiano and helping them understand the versatility of the style," Wright says.

"So, this year we’re launching Fiano Festa – a summer-long celebration of this exceptionally delicious variety that’s perfect for the Australian spring and summer.

"Fiano has moved from fringe to fashionable,” the sixth-generation vigneron adds. “It’s perfectly suited to our climate, delicious, and versatile - both for drinkers and in the vineyard.” 

Fiano (the one above is particularly delicious) saw an 86% growth in tonnes crushed (2025 vs 2024) and there are now over 70 Australian wineries making fiano.

Look out for Fiano Fridays events around Australia so you can try the refreshing, food-friendly and textural variety.

The inaugural Fiano Day will be Friday, October 17.

More info here: https://www.oliverstaranga.com/what-is-fiano/

Buy a bottle of wine, help cancer research

Buy a bottle of very good McLaren Vale shiraz under a pink capsule during August and you'll help fund cancer research.

Mr. Riggs Wine Company has sponsored the Flinders Foundation, a South Australian organisation dedicated to supporting medical health research, for 19 years.

Proceeds from sales of the Mr Riggs 2023 The Gaffer Shiraz will again help raise funds for a cause close to winemaker Ben Riggs' heart.

Established in 1976, The Flinders Foundation is one of the leading medical health and research charities in South Australia - raising essential funds for medical research and patient care.

In August each year, Mr Riggs Wines run their Gaffer Month campaign with proceeds donated to the Flinders Foundation.

"We are incredibly proud to have raised over $250,000, which has gone towards a broad range of cancer research," Riggs said.

What about the wine? It's a big red, but well balanced, and paired very well with a home-made steak and kidney pie.

The fruit for the 2023 vintage was sourced from five vineyards; all in different sub-regions of McLaren Vale; from the warmest, earliest picked vineyards to the coolest, latest picked.

The parcels were matured in oak, 90% French and 10% American, and blended just before bottling. A very decent drop this; dark fruited and well balanced, for $25.

The name The Gaffer is a tribute to Riggs' great-great grandfather John "The Gaffer" Riggs (1814-1902).    

See https://mrriggs.com.au/

A weekend of food, wine and fun overlooking the vines

One of McLaren Vale's leading wineries will host a weekend of gourmet discovery at the end of August. 

Chapel Hill will host a two-day, two-night residential cooking experience that aims to blend "gourmet indulgence with hands-on culinary discovery". 

Run by Fleurieu Food & Wine in collaboration with The Retreat at Chapel Hill, the weekend from August 29-31 will immerse guests in the food and wine culture of the Fleurieu Peninsula. 

Set among rolling vineyards with sweeping views, the event celebrates seasonal produce, top-notch  wines, and the joy of cooking together.

Jackie Mazzocato, founder of Fleurieu Food & Wine, will be the event leader as attendees craft mozzarella from scratch and hand-make pasta. 

The experience, as part of the Fleurieu Food Festival, will be elevated by appearances from Andrew Fielke, Australia’s leading authority on native ingredients, and Stephen Edwards, chef and red meat expert. 

The weekend includes two nights of luxe accommodation at The Retreat at Chapel Hill, a welcome dinner reception, continental breakfasts, and three shared meals with Chapel Hill wine pairings at every sitting. There will also be a wine master class at the Chapel Hill cellar door. 

The price starts at $950.00 per person with double occupancy. The event is limited to 10 couples only.

See https://fleurieufoodandwine.com.au/cooking-classes/

Church Block: And then there were three

Church Block has been a favourite with red wine lovers since it was launched by Wirra Wirra back in 1972.

The brand was originally a grenache/shiraz blend before founder Greg Trott transitioned to the now-classic cabernet-led blend.

Now Church Block will offer three different McLaren Vale reds - so wine lovers will need to pay attention which iteration they pick up from their local bottle store.

Church Block 2023 Shiraz and Church Block 2024 Grenache Shiraz join the traditional Church Block 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot blend, which has become regarded as a benchmark for value with an RRP of around $25.

Maintaining the integrity and legacy of Church Block was key to the development of the new wines, says Wirra Wirra CEO Matt Deller.

“The evolution of Church Block was a natural next step,” Deller said.

“It gives us the freedom to explore McLaren Vale’s classic reds through the Church Block lens, with the same focus on authenticity, balance and style that’s defined it for more than 50 years.

“It deepens what Church Block stands for, while staying true to where it began.”

Emma Wood, Wirra Wirra’s chief winemaker since 2022, had a clear vision for the new releases.

“We’ve always approached Church Block as a fine wine,” she said. “We carefully source and blend for complexity, style, and balance.

"These new wines need to live up to the reputation built over 51 vintages by over-delivering on quality, which is why Church Block resonates with both casual drinkers and collectors alike.”

The current vintages of Church Block Cabernet Blend and Church Block Shiraz will also debut a new lightweight proprietary bottle, reducing glass weight from 547g to 410g. This innovation cuts production emissions by 68 tonnes annually, representing a 10% reduction in overall emissions for Wirra Wirra.

The new Church Block wines will hit the stores any day now.

I tried all three new release. While the cabernet-based blend remains a standout, I enjoyed the juicy fruit freshness of the grenache-shiraz blend. Both are ready to enjoy right now, while the shiraz will benefit from a few months aging.  

Purple Soul wines make a serious statement

A few weeks ago I was invited to attend "a wine evening of elegance and indulgence" - which sounded right up my street.

Unfortunately, the evening was being held in Adelaide, and am usually based in Tasmania, so had to decline.

But given the event was a launch for a wine brand that I had not heard of - Purple Soul Wines - I was intrigued.

It turns out Purple Soul is based in McLaren Vale with a production facility at Loxton, and is owned by the Lim family, who also have business interests in China.

Fifteen years spent mostly in sales and operations for bulk wine producers motivated Jamison Lim to create his own wine brand, Purple Soul, in 2018. He clearly purchased some quality base material as his wines date back to vintage 2019.

He's chosen his support staff well with Oliver Crawford (ex-Devil's Lair and current MD of wine consultancy group Veraise) as winemaker.

The range is built around chardonnay, grenache and shiraz from the Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale respectively.

Each wine has a name derived from Greek mythology. And as well as Purple Soul, the Lim family also has wine brands in China, Chile, and Italy.

I think they'll be selling a lot of their wine in China as they have done well in several Chinese wine shows, and the ornate packaging is eye-catching.

The first wine I tried - the plummy and turbo-charged 2019 Anchor of Oceanus McLaren Vale Shiraz ($60) - is clearly aimed at lovers of big, macho alcoholic styles. It is described as "bold and only for the brave". It is huge - with 16.7% alcohol by volume.  

Much more to my personal taste were the 2023 Harp of Gaea Barossa Grenache ($60) and the 2023 Sphere of Uranus Adelaide Hills Chardonnay ($60), much more traditional in style abut both full of flavour. 

These are wines that make a serious statement. See https://purple-soul.com.au/

 

Exceptional vintage delivers a stellar flagship for Mr Riggs

 

It takes a special vintage in both McLaren Vale and Coonawarra for Ben Riggs to even consider releasing his flagship red wine Mr Riggs The Chap. 

The Chap is a classic Australian "claret" style - an Alpha blend of McLaren Vale shiraz (68%) and Coonawarra cabernet sauvignon (32%), that it is only made in years that Riggs considers exceptional. 

The 2020 vintage was one of those years - and Riggs has made just 912 bottles in total with 2020 joining 2012-2104 and 2016-2018 releases. 

Make no mistake, this is a big assertive wine with power and length, but it finishes with soft tannins, just as Riggs likes it. It's assertive but also elegant, with oak supporting but not overpowering. 

"This is a wine that can easily be cellared for 1-20 years," Riggs says. "I love the long fine-grained tannins and the powerful structure."

Not a wine for everyday drinking with its $120 price tag, but certainly a wine for a special occasion. 

Everything says "Look at Me". There's a heavy bottle, wax and quality cork. On the plate are rich, blackcurrant plum, spice and earthiness

The fruit is a combo of shiraz from Riggs' own Piebald Gully vineyard in McLaren Vale, and the Weatherall vineyards in Coonawarra. 

See www.mrriggs.com.au for more info.       

New McLaren Vale tasting room showcases one grape variety

Meet the latest wine tasting venue in McLaren Vale.

Willunga 100 has announced the opening of The Grenache Room, a new tasting destination offering visitors the opportunity to taste the winery’s award-winning grenache wines in an almost century-old cottage situated on the Blind Spot Vineyard on Moritz Road. 

It is Australia’s only dedicated tasting room devoted to grenache and showcases the diverse expressions of grenache grown on sites in Blewitt Springs and Clarendon,

The Grenache Room sits in the restored Moritz family stone cottage built in 1933

An integrated timber veranda features panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards.

The Grenache Room offers wine flights that include single-vineyard selections, limited releases, and tasting room exclusives. se of place.

“We hope The Grenache Room offers an unparalleled sensory experience," says Willunga 100 co-founder David Gleave MW.

"The tasting spaces have been thoughtfully crafted for events, and for informal yet serious discussions of wine, where the atmosphere encourages contemplation and discovery.”

Sustainability is also underlined by a hectare of native vegetation planted beside the tasting room which will ensure the vineyard and the tasting room are carbon neutral.

Tastings are available from $20 per person and include an Estate Tasting, Study of Grenache Tasting Flight ($30), Single Vineyard Tasting Flight ($40) and a Blewitt Springs Grenache Experience ($50).

Open Friday-Monday 11am-5pm (bookings recommended). (08) 8383 2500. 

See www.willunga100.com

Chapel Hill launches new art prize

 

McLaren Vale winery Chapel Hill has today announced the inaugural Chapel Hill Horizons Art Prize.

The $5,000 acquisitive art prize invites artists to interpret local landscapes and show their vision for its future. 

South Australian artists can submit their entries from today until July 14.

The short-listed works will be exhibited at Chapel Hill during this year’s South Australian Living Arts Festival (SALA), with the winning piece added to the winery’s permanent collection which is displayed all year round in the winery chapel (above). 

The winning artist, who will receive a $5,000 cash prize, will be announced at the exhibition opening on Sunday, August 3.

The prize theme, ‘Horizons’ encourages artists to "explore the dual meaning of the word: both the physical line where the earth meets the sky and the symbolic concept of something that might be attained". All artworks are required to include a distinct horizon line to be featured in the exhibition.

Art has long been part of Chapel Hill’s identity. Chief winemaker Michael Fragos, who this year is celebrating his 22nd vintage at Chapel Hill, is an avid visual art enthusiast and the walls of the winery’s chapel are adorned with artworks for visitors to enjoy.

“Chapel Hill is defined by its spectacular surroundings," Fragos said. "Every day we take inspiration from the beautiful landscape, the views back over McLaren Vale and the coast as well as the shimmering sunsets. 

“Since hosting Adelaide Festival events at the winery in the 1970s, Chapel Hill has a long and proud history supporting artists. It is so exciting to now bring together all of these elements with our inaugural Horizons Art Prize.” 

SALA Festival CEO Bridget Alfred commented, “We are thrilled to include the inaugural “Horizons Art Prize” exhibition in the 2025 SALA Festival, and welcome Chapel Hill Wines’ championing of South Australian artists and our fabulous SA culture. 

"We encourage all eligible artists to enter and look forward to seeing the finalists in August!”

The competition will be judged by a panel of notable local and industry names, to be announced at a later date. 

Short-listed artworks will be exhibited at Chapel Hill Wines, McLaren Vale from August 3 to September 16. 

For more details or to submit works visit www.chapelhillwine.com.au/horizons-art-prize/

The good mail on McLaren Vale

Anyone planning to visit the vineyards and cellars doors of McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu Peninsula will want to get their hands on the new-release 10th edition of The McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast Visitor Guide.

The launch coincides with the opening of new experiences and attractions, and the region collecting a flurry of national and international awards.

Fancy staying in a geodesic domes with sweeping valley views; or sipping on a cold beverage in architecturally designed tap houses, distilleries or cellar doors? Or perhaps a long lunch overlooking vines?

Or maybe you'd like to enjoy a wander around the Willunga Farmers Market, take to the skies in a vintage biplane, or meander along the Route 31 Coastal Drive, taking in spectacular beaches and coastal villages?

The new guide provides all the info visitors need about events, tastings and accommodation in one of the most picturesque regions in South Australia - just 40 minutes from Adelaide.

The guide's release comes after a year during which McLaren Vale wineries and winemakers have taken out awards in Paris, Germany, London, Switzerland and Italy.

The 10th edition of the visitor guide showcases the view from the cellar door deck of Chandlers Hill winery Main & Cherry on the front cover.

The new McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast Visitor Guide is available from visitor information centres and visitor hotspots including hotel foyers, car hire locations and the Adelaide Airport, as well as locations along Victoria's Great Ocean Road.

Order a copy from the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre or view the guide online at https://www.mclarenvaleandfleurieucoast.com.au/plan/visitor-guide

Jenkins signs on for big new wine gig

 Full steam ahead for the new Carey Gully winery project of Georges Thienpont, a fourth-generation winemaker from Bordeaux. 

Thienpont, from a large wine industry family, has appointed former Balnaves of Coonwarra winemaker Jacinta Jenkins as the winemaker for his new estate and winery at Carey Gully at the Adelaide Hills. 

Jenkins will oversee all winemaking operations and act as steward of the estate, a press release says.

Jenkins was senior winemaker at Balnaves of Coonawarra and was a shortlisted finalist for the Halliday Wine Companion 2025 Winemaker of the Year. 

The daughter of renowned Coonawarra viticulturist Allen Jenkins, Jacinta began her wine journey with a BSc in Biochemistry (Hons) at Monash University, before working vintages in Australia (Balnaves, Wynns, Sons of Eden) and internationally (Ch. St Michelle, Washington State USA; Craggy Range, Hawke’s Bay NZ; Dr Loosen, Mosel Valley Germany and PennerAsh Wine Cellars, Oregon USA).

She then studied viticulture and oenology at the University of Adelaide, before working as sssistant winemaker at Pikes Wines in the Clare Valley. 

Having grown up in Coonawarra, she returned home in 2018 to work with Balnaves winemaker of 25 years Peter Bissell. She was made senior winemaker after Bissell retired in 2020..

Georges Thienpont says he shares Jenkins' passion for detail and precision. 

When he learned of her background in biochemistry, he envisioned the innovations she could bring by combining her scientific expertise with creative flair to express the terroirs of Piccadilly and Clarendon, which will provide the fruit for the project's wines.

Georges Thienpont has been involved in his family’s wine business since his youth. 

A law graduate of the University of Leuven in Belgium, from where his family originates. 

He moved to Adelaide to study wine business and is now completing a postgraduate degree in viticulture and oenology. 

His great-grandfather, Georges Thienpont (Snr) purchased Vieux Château Certan in Pomerol in 1924 -exactly 100 years before Georges acquired the estate and vineyard in Carey Gully.

The chardonnay for the estate’s wines will come from the Carey Gully vineyard, planted in 1998 by Brian Croser for Petaluma. An additional hectare of chardonnay was planted in November 2024 under the supervision of viticultural consultant Dylan Grigg. 

These vineyards, situated at 500 meters above sea level, overlook Mount Lofty and sit on an outcrop of ancient schists and gneisses amidst the sandstone soils of the Adelaide Hills. 

Cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc will be sourced from two historic sites: the Clarendon Vineyard Estate, managed by Emmanuelle and Toby Bekkers, and the Hickinbotham Estate, managed by viticulturist Michael Lane. 

The inaugural vintage is scheduled for release in 2026.

d'Arenberg shines on global tourism stage

It was a huge gamble when family-owned d'Arenberg Wines invested in its attention-seeking Cube from 2003.

But it is a gamble that paid off with the McLaren Vale winery now established as a global tourism icon.

It's been another big week for d'Arenberg and The Cube with a win on Friday night in the category of best tourism attraction at the South Australian Tourism Awards.

Then d’Arenberg was recognised on the global stage in the World’s Best Vineyard Awards for 2024.

It was named #32 in the world and as the #1 vineyard in Australasia.

This year’s win means the d’Arenberg Cube, a multi-level mix of tasting room, wine sensory room, a virtual fermenter, a 360degree video room, and many other experiences, will represent South Australia at the National Tourism Awards to be held in Adelaide in early 2025.

Winemaker and d’Arenberg Cube visionary Chester Osborn said: “To be honoured locally and globally is a testament to the dedication of our entire team underscoring not only the quality of our vineyard and visitor experience but also the strength of South Australia as world-class tourism destination.

“It is humbling to see d’Arenberg and McLaren Vale recognised alongside many of the world’s great estates and shows how far we have come as a winery and as a region since my great grandfather purchased the d’Arenberg property in 1912.”

Buy a bottle of wine; do some good

So you like your red wines big, bold and in your face?

You favour the idea of buying a wine that is designed to do some good? 

Sales of Mr Riggs The Gaffer Shiraz have so far helped raise over $220,000 for cancer research. 

The 2022 vintage - now on sale with its eye-catching pink capsule and label sticker - costs $25 a bottle and Mr. Riggs Wine Co. runs its annual Gaffer Month campaign in August, donating proceeds of The Gaffer Shiraz to The Flinders Foundation. 

Now in its 18th year, the pink cap that gives back offers trade incentives to encourage people to support the worthy cause.

The Gaffer is a tribute to Ben Riggs’ great-great-grandfather, John ‘The Gaffer’ Riggs (1814-1902), one of South Australia’s most renowned farmers. 

Since 2006, The Gaffer Shiraz has worn its pink capsule to acknowledge the partnership with the Flinders Foundation and its fight against cancer. 

The fruit is sourced from five vineyards and is matured to oak, 90% French and 10% American. It is then blended just before bottling. 

It is not a shy wine; it packs a punch in more ways than one.

Fifth-generation vignerons produce new flagship shiraz

 

For five generations now the Angove family has been making wines to suit all palates and all budgets.

The Angoves are a family that go about their business with a minimum of fuss, but with plenty of attention to detail. 

Now the family has unveiled a new flagship wine: the 2000 Brightlands Shiraz.

Angove Family Winemakers was founded in 1886 by Dr William Thomas Angove after his young family emigrated from Cornwall in England to Tea Tree Gully in the Adelaide foothills.

After establishing his medical practice, Dr Angove soon found himself experimenting with winemaking, at first using what he produced as tonics for his patients.

He quickly found a growing customer base, turning his hobby into a business and increasing his vineyard holdings from four to 40 hectares.

His son "Skipper" Angove 'Skipper' developed a small hobby enterprise to a multi-regional wine business producing a diverse range ofwines for both local and export markets.

Skipper was instrumental in establishing the first-ever winery and distillery in Renmark, in the Riverland, in 1910.

He crafted Angove Family Winemakers into a significant player, producing fine, still, and fortified wines and developing one of Australia's most iconic spirits St Agnes Brandy.

Now in its fifth generation of family leadership, Angove Family Winemakers is "dedicated to embracing evolutionary ideas, with a focus on maintaining relevancy and ensuring sustainability for future generations to come".

The new Brightlands Shiraz ($125) is a blend of the very best single barrel from McLaren Vale vineyards: Angels Rise at Clarendon and Warboys, just south of the township of McLaren Vale.

The family says that combined "they give rise to a remarkable intensity, depth, concentration and ageing potential".

"We are fortunate to be the custodians of two unique vineyards," says fifth generation vigneron Richard Angove. "They are amazing sites on their own but when blended take things to the next level."

Big and dense at first, the wine opens up in the glass to reveal layers of muscularity with fruit intensity and structure. It finishes satisfyingly smooth and impressively balanced. 

I liked it a lot. 

The name Brightlands Shiraz pays homage to the birthplace of Angove Family Winemakers - cellars originally constructed in 1875.

See www.angove.com.au

Yangarra single block wine releases shine

Integrity, complexity, vitality, drinkability.

Those four words sum up the new premium single block releases from McLaren Vale organic and biodynamic trendsetter Yangarra. 

Long-serving winemakers Peter Fraser and Shelley Torresan are known for their willingness to experiment; from unusual grape varieties to ceramic eggs, to oxidative handling to use of Austrian oak. 

Yangarra makes wines that push the boundaries, but are always well considered, 

Yangarra Estate is in Blewitt Springs in the north-east of McLaren Vale, a region where Rhone Valley varietals - both white and red - shine.

There is an emphasis on old bush vine grenache - vines planted in 1946. 

Fraser and vineyard manager Michael Lane have been in charge for close to a quarter of a century, with Torresan, who led a Hobart tasting, starting in 2006. 

Wines from single blocks like High Sands, Ironheart King's Wood and Ovitelli shine in the new releases from the 2021 and 2022 vintages. 

The tasting this week arranged by distributors Mezzanine demonstrated that both red and white wines benefit from around a decade in the bottle. Museum wines from 2014 and 2016 were certainly singing, while what Torresan describes as "long, cool ferments that don't fluctuate" have clearly played a role across the board.  

The 2022 Ovitelli Blanc ($70) is a blend of grenache blanc, roussanne, grenache gris, bourboulenc and clairette with extended skin maceration adding impressive mouthfeel and complexity. 

The 2022 Roux Beaute Roussanne ($70) is a single-varietal that saw skin fermentation and time in large ceramic eggs with the blend remaining on skins for four months. This is a superb food wine. 

There are no fewer than three grenaches: the tightly coiled, very pretty 2022 Hickinbotham Clarendon Grenache ($90), the fruit-forward Ovitelli 2022 Grenache ($90) with remarkable depth of flavour, and the star of the show, the complex and immediately impressive 2021 High Sands Grenache ($325).

Torreson describes the High Sands as "the best of the best" with subtle Austrian oak playing a support role in a complex wine that I noted was "marvellous". A landmark red with style and power in equal measure. 

For me, the grenaches outshone the shirazes on this merry-go-round. 

That said, the varietal but elegant 2022 King's Wood Shiraz ($70) offers cellaring value. A single percent of viognier adds perfumed notes here. 

The 2022 Ironheart Shiraz ($130) is long, intense and delicious with hints of French oak influence and a little bit of ferrous minerality.

It's certainly well worth checking out this range. See https://www.yangarra.com/

Brothers maintain wine industry optimism

In a wine landscape that is frequently full of doom and gloom, one South Australian winery is being admirably positive.

Family-owned and -operated Lloyd Brothers has launched new branding - and has planted new vineyards at a time when other producers are less optimistic.

The thrust is being led by go-ahead GM Sam Temme, (ex Charles Melton and Wirra Wirra) who joined in 2020. It his second stint with the brothers. .

"Everything at Lloyd Brothers is falling into place nicely in what is obviously incredibly tough time in the industry," Temme says.

"We have to keep trying to put a positive spin on things. But no doubt it is the toughest I’ve seen the industry in my 30 years working in it.

"We launched Pure Wine Co. as our national distributors at the start of last year and they are doing a great job getting our new wines out to the Australian trade."

Lloyd Brothers is owned by David and Matthew Lloyd, third-generation McLaren Vale vignerons, who founded their business 22 years ago. The brothers have 43 hectares under vine across McLaren Vale and the cooler Adelaide Hills and also farm olive groves.

Recent releases include an outstanding 2021 Lloyd Brothers McLaren Vale Reserve Shiraz Western Block 2, a benchmark wine that was born from the Chinese tariff debacle that has hit the wine industry so hard.

"We knew what we were heading into when the China tariffs hit and David Lloyd used this time to invest and get me on board to re-brand and re-structure Lloyd Brothers," Temme says.

Prior to 2021 the grapes from this block were being sold to Penfolds for premium releases.

From 2022 the entire block will be used by the family for its reserve release.

Temme describes is as "one of the last pieces of the Lloyd Brothers rebranding puzzle", adding: 

"We are thrilled with the wine and the final packaging, including a handful of wooden boxed magnums.

"We have purchased more land, planted more vineyards (conservatively) and top grafted other blocks to suit where we see our wine brand going."

Among a very impressive line-up of current releases are the 2023 Lloyd Brothers Adelaide Hills Estate Picpoul $26), some Med-inspired brisk, high-acid refreshment, and a 2022 GSM ($32), a well balanced all-purpose red blend, as well as a stylish cool-climate 2022 Adelaide Hills Syrah ($35).

Two wines, however, stood out for me: a delicious summer-friendly 2023 Lloyd Brothers McLaren Vale Nouveau ($28), a lip-smackingly good and very swish grenache/shiraz/mourvedre field blend perfect for enjoying chilled on a warm day. 

And the star of the show: that 2021 Reserve Shiraz Western Block 2 ($90, right) , made from grapes grown on Block 2 on the Western Block of the Lloyd Brothers McLaren Vale Estate from a "perfect vintage".

A 30% new oak component adds some swagger to a very impressive package. This is twice as good as a lot of South Australian reds that are double, or more, the price. Outstanding.

For those who worry about such matters, the wines are all Vegan friendly.

For more details and orders see https://lloydbrothers.com.au/

Meet the Formula One ace roaring into the wine industry

Meet the latest celebrity wine release: a most unlikely one.

Finnish Formula One driver Valterri Bottas has combined with winemaker Corrina Wright from Oliver's Taranga to craft a McLaren Vale shiraz he is calling Ihana.

The name Ihana is Finnish for wonderful or fantastic and is a word Bottas uses for "the truly exceptional".

The collaboration has been tagged Valtteri Bottas x Oliver’s Taranga.

Bottas says "a wine made by two such driven perfectionists was only ever going to be ‘Ihana’."

The F1 racer spends a lot of time in Australia - his partner is Australian professional cyclist Tiffany Cromwell - and has apparently fallen in love with the bold reds of McLaren Vale.

A two-bottle gift box of the 2022 Ihana Shiraz costs $160 and is described as a limited release collectors item. Each bottle is individually numbered. 

I shared tastes of the wine with several enthusiasts. The verdict: “It is seriously good, isn’t it?”

He’s on a winner. 

See https://ihanawine.com/

Meet a wine brand doing its bit for cancer research

Enjoy a glass or two of wine in August and you can and help a worthy cause.

For the full month, McLaren Vale wine brand Mr. Riggs will be running its annual Gaffer Month campaign and donating proceeds from sales of The Gaffer Shiraz to The Flinders Foundation.

Now in its 17th year, the wine stands out with its pink cap, and Mr Riggs will offer wine trade members incentives to boost sales - and donations.

"We are incredibly proud to have raised over $200,000, which has gone towards a broad range of cancer research." Ben Riggs, Mr. Riggs' founder and winemaker, says.

"We are grateful for our customers' support in achieving this milestone. This cause is very close to our hearts, and The Flinders Foundation is a worthy recipient of our donation."

Established in 1976, The Flinders Foundation is one of Australia's leading medical health and research charities, raising essential funds to support cancer research and patient care.

Mr. Riggs supports the organisation's annual gala dinner, the Pink Yellow Blue Ball, as well as by holding Gaffer Month.

"This is an important month to raise funds for cancer research,” said Ross Verschoor, executive director of the Flinders Foundation.

“The Flinders Foundation’s work is often led by the stories we share about people, and the partnership between Mr. Riggs and the Flinders Foundation started with a story about a person affected by cancer, and through this partnership, we are honouring that legacy.”

In addition to The Gaffer Shiraz, the 2022 Woodside Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc and the 2022 Watervale Riesling are also available for reduced wholesale purchase, with proceeds donated to The Flinders Foundation.

The shiraz is $20 a bottle online, with half bottles for $10.40.

See https://mrriggs.com.au/ for full details.

d'Arenberg walks the sustainability walk

Sustainability and being a good corporate citizen are key elements to success in the wine business today.

Wine drinkers not only want a good drop at a f air price, they also want to know their favourite wineries are doing the write thing.

McLaren Valle producer d'Arenberg has just managed a hat-trick of achievements: certification by Sustainable Wine Growing Australia, committing to Carbon Net-Zero by 2035 and embarking on a Reconciliation Action Plan with Reconciliation Australia.

The family owned and operated wine producer said the national Sustainable Wine Growing Australia program "supports the Australian wine community in delivering world-leading sustainability practices across environmental, social, and economic parameters".

Additionally, d'Arenberg has set itself the goal of achieving certification for carbon net-zero emissions by 2035, ahead of the national target of 2050.

d'Arenberg is also working with Reconciliation Australia to create its first RAP.

The ‘Reflect’ RAP is about developing relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
stakeholders, deciding on a vision for reconciliation and exploring the "d’Arenberg sphere
of influence".

Chester Osborn (above), the fourth-generation family winemaker at d'Arenberg, said: "Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond our environmental footprint.

"We're proud to be working with Reconciliation Australia on our first RAP, which we believe will help foster unity and mutual respect between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and wider
Australia.

"Together with our SWA certification and carbon net zero emissions target, we are taking significant steps towards our ongoing journey of sustainability and reconciliation."

McLaren Vale gains a new wine tourism destination

McLaren Vale has a new destination for wine lovers with Dandelion Vineyards opening the Wonder Room, which is billed as "more than just a cellar door.".

Zar and Elena Brooks throw open the doors to the Wonder Room today.

Located on top of the ancient ridge of Firehawk Farm, the Wonder Room will offer visitors 180 degree views of the Firehawk Farm vineyard, the slopes of McLaren Vale, the Gulf of St Vincent and the Willunga Escarpment.

"We've dreamed of opening our Wonder Room ever since we started Dandelion Vineyards some 15 years ago," says winemaker and co-founder Elena Brooks.

"Firehawk Farm is the perfect location for visitors to experience our vineyard, region, and taste through our award-winning wines."

An old tractor shed has been repurposed to create a space "that seamlessly blends rustic features, warm tones, and clean lines".

The exterior steps are a standout feature of the Wonder Room, providing visitors with a comfortable place to sit and take in the views.

“The design takes in the natural assets of the location, and the re-use of the building highlights like none other what can be achieved through adaptive architecture,” says Elena Brooks.

With the opening, Dandelion Vineyards has also announced the appointment of chef Chris Bone to curate a selection of food offerings.

"Dandelion Vineyards' focus on single-vineyard wines and Firehawk Farm's biodynamic certification aligns perfectly with my approach to cooking and what I look for when showcasing ingredients," says Bone.

"Learning about Elena's Bulgarian heritage and food culture has revealed a great connection between my way of thinking as a chef and the traditional techniques of growing, pickling, and preserving. I'm excited to showcase the stunning produce of Firehawk Farm and beyond, to create memorable food for the wine experiences."

Visitors to the Wonder Room can choose from three tasting tiers, priced at $33, $66, and $99.

The top-tier tasting offers visitors the opportunity to explore premium wines and rare museum releases.

The team recommends allowing 75 minutes for the tasting experience.

See www.dandelionvineyards.com.au