Turning wine bottles into works of art

Magnums of Yalumba's The Signature blend will play a key role at this year’s Sydney Contemporary art fair as part of a collaboration that blends artistic expression, social inclusion, and one of one of Australia’siconic wines. 

Yalumba will partner with Studio A at this year’s Sydney Contemporary at Carriageworks by providing 50 magnum bottles to be transformed by Studio A artists into works of art. 

The bottles will become part of a limited-edition collection that celebrates individuality and collaboration. 

The collector’s edition magnums will be exhibited at Sydney Contemporary and available for purchase during the fair for $225 each.

Studio A is a Sydney-based social enterprise that champions artists with intellectual disability, supporting them to build sustainable careers and share their voices through art. 

Studio A CEO and artistic director Gabrielle Mordy said the collaboration is “all about creativity, inclusion, and the power of meaningful connections"

"By transforming each magnum of The Signature into a stunning one-of-a-kind artwork, our artists are sharing their creativity and voices with new audiences while raising vital funds that empower them to thrive professionally," she said. 

"We’re thrilled to see such an iconic Australian wine brand champion inclusion and celebrate the unique talents of artists with intellectual disability.”

Yalumba proprietor Robert Hill-Smith said the partnership feels like a natural fit for the winery, which has long valued creativity and community. 

“For 175 years, Yalumba has been guided by a spirit of community and creativity, so it is a privilege to partner with Studio A for Sydney Contemporary," he said. "The transformation of our Signature magnums into works of art is a beautiful expression of individuality and collaboration. 

"We are proud to help provide a platform for these artists to share their remarkable talents and stories with the world.”

All 50 bottles will remain on display for the duration of the fair before being shipped to buyers, with $10,000 in proceeds supporting Studio A’s inclusive arts programs, helping provide vital materials, studio space, and mentorship that nurture the next generation of artists and open doors to opportunity.

See studioa.org.au

Image 1: Studio A artist Lex Tan shows his works of art on The Signature bottles

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

Milestone wine release pays tribute to one of the backroom boys

Winemakers are the rock stars of the wine industry.

They are the ones on stage collecting the trophies, making the speeches, taking the headlines.

But just as Bruce Springsteen needs the E Street Band to shine at his brightest, so any successful wine business is a collaboration.

Viticulturists, logistics experts, marketers and myriad behind-the-scene play key roles ino producing quality wines.

One brand that recognises talent across the board is Yalumba, which this year releases the 50th vintage of its The Signature red blend.

Each year The Signature recognises the work of people right across the business - from managing directors to cellar rats.

The newly released 50th vintage The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz is adorned by the signature of Christopher Gerhardy.

Yalumba describes Chris as "a third-generation employee, a gentle, personable, humble human who took a job on the bottling line in 1972. He moved on to looking after dry-goods and packaging, where he has witnessed many changes and innovations over his 51 years of service."

Robert Hill-Smith, head of the family that owns Yalumba, said: “This man is remarkable, and his family have been remarkable contributors for over three generations, serving 145 years cumulatively here at Yalumba.”

You can read Chris' story on the back label of the 2021 vintage, which retails for around $60. I've got a bottle lined-up for tasting this week and will report back. 

 

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.