Woodstock finds its sweet spot

Family wine businesses need to evolve to thrive. 

For more than 50 years Woodstock Wine Estate has been part of the fabric of McLaren Vale, evolving from a family vineyard into one of the region’s best-known wine and hospitality destinations.

The Blewitt Springs winery is entering a new chapter, with third-generation winemaker Peter Collett helping lead an evolution of the family business.

Woodstock’s story began in 1973, when Douglas Collett AM purchased the property following a career in the wine industry and earlier service as a World War II fighter pilot. His vision for premium South Australian table wine laid the foundations for the modern Woodstock business.

That vision was expanded by Doug’s son Scott Collett, who took over management in 1982 and helped establish Woodstock as a respected McLaren Vale wine brand and tourism destination.

Now Scott’s son Peter is carrying the family legacy forward after stepping into the winemaking role in 2022. 

“Dad is still here all the time tending to the gardens, lawns and orchard,” Peter told the South Australian Wine Industry Association newsletter. “It’s still very much a family business, but we’re also evolving and looking at where we want to take Woodstock into the future.”

  
The transition to the next generation has coincided with a period of significant change for the business. 

In 2024, Woodstock closed its long-running Coterie restaurant and undertook major renovations to transform the space into a larger cellar door focused more directly on wine experiences. 

The new cellar door officially opened in November 2024 and now welcomes visitors seven days a week.

The estate has also introduced a more relaxed visitor offering through a partnership with Gin Long Canteen that features casual lawn dining, weekend live music and a strong family-friendly focus.

A wildlife sanctuary featuring rescue kangaroos, emus and native wildlife has become another point of difference for the property, alongside a playground and expansive lawns designed to encourage families to spend time at the venue.

“Not a lot of wineries in the area are so family friendly,” Peter said. “We’ve got the playground, the wildlife sanctuary and lots of open space, so parents can relax with a glass of wine while the kids can safely run around and enjoy themselves.”

The business has also diversified its on-site experiences, with brother Max Collett recently launching Trilby’s Chocolates at the Woodstock property.

In the winery, Peter is steering Woodstock toward a fresher, more contemporary wine style aligned with changing consumer preferences.

The 100% estate-grown portfolio has been refined, and Mediterranean varieties such as montepulciano and fiano are playing an increasingly important role.

“There’s definitely been a shift toward younger, fresher and lighter wines that are easier drinking,” Peter Collett said.

"The key is to capture these aspects in certain wines while not compromising the bold, rich style that our customers have grown to love. It is a subtle evolution."

The estate now comprises 100 acres of vineyards planted with seven grape varieties, with an ongoing focus on estate-grown wines and regional character.

Zema Estate unveils new winemaker

Coonawarra standout Zema Estate has named just the fourth winemaker in its 44-year history. 

Lewis White joins the family-owned producer from Rymill Coonawarra. 

White is described as "reinforcing its long-standing commitment to regional knowledge, continuity, and hands-on family involvement".

Since releasing its first vintage in 1982, Zema Estate has worked with just four winemakers - Tom Simons, Greg Clayfield, Joe Cory, and now White - all of whom have lived and worked locally. 

Lewis has more than a decade in Australian winemaking, most recently as head winemaker at Rymill Coonawarra, a role he had held since 2020.

He has a Bachelor of Wine Science degree from Charles Sturt University and has worked across Coonawarra, Tasmania, McLaren Vale, the Hunter Valley, the Adelaide Hills, and internationally in the UK. 

Lewis said he was drawn to Zema Estate’s clear sense of identity and long-term approach.

“Zema Estate has a strong reputation in Coonawarra, and I’ve always respected the quality and consistency of the wines,” he said. “It’s an exciting opportunity, and I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into the 2026 vintage in a few months.”

Nick Zema (pictured with White) said the decision reflected the winery’s long-held belief in nurturing local expertise and maintaining strong ties to the region.

“In 44 years, Zema Estate has had just four winemakers, following the first 18 years of our family making the wines ourselves,” Nick said. “Each winemaker has been a local, deeply connected to Coonawarra." 

Meet a sparkling new venue in Champagne

Anyone planning a trip to Champagne might want to make note of a recently opened wine destination.

Champagne Thiénot has marked marked its 40th anniversary this year with a move into wine tourism as it opens a boutique hotel, bar and spa, and tasting experience in the heart of Reims.

Called Le 3, after its address in pedestrian alley 3 Rue du Marc in the city, the new offering occupies a historic building not far Veuve Clicquot’s Hôtel du Marc.

Maison Thiénot - well known to Australians for its collaborations with Penfolds - was founded by Alain Thiénot in 1985, and is now run by by his children, Garance and Stanislas.

Thiénot describes Le 3 as “an immersive journey through Champagne tradition and innovation, with restored cellars, interactive exhibits, and an open-air garden”.

The venue also includes a vinothèque with Champagnes going back to the first vintage expression made by the house from the 1985 harvest.

Le 3 - a 10m-minute walk from Reims Station - also has a Champagne rooftop bar and spa, and an upcoming  boutique hotel with 12 rooms, news hub drinks business reports.

Maison Thienot says its purpose is to "provide an immersive and educational wine tourism experience centred on Champagne Thiénot".

The target audience is anyone interested in Champagne, from novices to aficionados, with options for both guided and self-guided exploration.

Check out this link: https://www.champagne-thienot.com/en/wine-tourism-experience/cellar-tours-at-champagne-thienot/

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

Wicks Estate expands its horizons

Adelaide Hills winery Wicks Estate has just expanded its potential production. 

Family-owned Wicks Estate, founded in 1999, today announced the acquisition of the Charleston Vineyard, a 47.2-hectare estate located in the heart of the Adelaide Hills. 

The purchase marks a significant step in Wicks Estate’s commitment to producing premium cool-climate wines and expanding its presence in one of Australia’s top wine regions. 

Located six kilometres north-east of Woodside, Charleston Vineyard comprises 38.6 hectares under vine, planted to varieties including sauvignon blanc, shiraz, chardonnay, tempranillo, pinot gris, prosecco, albariño, and grüner veltliner. 

Wicks says the estate features extensive infrastructure, including a well-appointed office complex set within a stone cottage, a large machinery shed, dedicated chemical storage facilities and an 83ml water licence supported by modern irrigation systems. 

“The acquisition of Charleston Vineyard marks an exciting new chapter for Wicks Estate," says Simon Wicks, director of Wicks Estate Wines. 

"The property’s scale, vineyard diversity, and exceptional infrastructure align perfectly with our vision for sustainable growth and excellence in winemaking. 

"We look forward to integrating Charleston’s premium fruit into our portfolio and continuing to showcase the best of the Adelaide Hills.

”The acquisition of Charleston Vineyard enhances Wicks Estate's ability to craft elegant, contemporary wines that celebrate the region’s unique terroir, while opening new opportunities for innovation and collaboration. It's a very exciting time for the family-owned and operated business."

After 50+ years in the same family, Passing Clouds hits the market

Passing Clouds Vineyard, a family-owned wine producer with a 50+ year history, is up for sale by the Leith family.

The winery and cellar door, located at Musk, just outside Daylesford in Victoria, is being marketed by Nick Butler of LJ Hooker Specialty Projects.

Passing Clouds is described as "one of the jewels of the Macedon Ranges" .

The property has mature chardonnay and pinot noir vines with room for expansion, along with the cellar door with casual tasting and picnic areas, overlooking the winery.

Set away from the working business, the property also boasts an almost new architecturally designed five-bedroom home and a separate three-bedroom cottage.

Selling agent and vineyard specialist Butler has enjoyed a relationship with the Leith family for over 20 years.

“The demand for quality pinot noir and chardonnay vineyards remains strong with recent sales recognising that consumers are gravitating more and more to these varieties," Butler says.

"The Macedon Ranges is home to some of Australia’s finest wines and Passing Clouds Vineyard sits up at the upper echelon.

"Combining an established and well recognised vineyard and brand with the low hanging fruit of upside through a shortage of accommodation in the area and this represents an incredible opportunity to own something beautiful and highly profitable.”

Passing Clouds began in Bendigo before being established in the Macedon Ranges almost three decades ago.

Founder Graeme Leith handed over the reins to the next generation 15 years ago: his son Cameron and daughter-in-law Marion.

“Passing Clouds celebrated 50 years last year, and with that milestone came time to pause and reflect for us and our young family," said Cameron and Marion.

"We decided that it is time for us to move on to new pursuits. Whilst we will miss this beautiful property we are excited about our family's next chapter”

Included in the sale is an inventory of wines.

“The 2025 season was the best since the vineyard was planted in 1998," says Cameron Leith.

"We had the highest yields on record and achieved optimum ripeness and quality.”

Passing Clouds is for sale via an Expressions of Interest Process closing 2pm on Friday, June 20. Call 0458 672 643 |or email nick.butler@ljhavalon.com.au

Famous wine family unveils new Barossa cellar door

 

The Burge family, famous names in the Barossa wine business, have opened a new cellar door showcasing wines made under their Corryton Burge label.


Located in Krondorf, it boasts a sun-drenched cellar door space offering a range of tasting experiences along with views of the estate's grenache bush vines and the valley floor.

The new site marks a homecoming for Corryton Burge owners the Burge family, consisting of parents Grant, Helen and children Trent, Amelia and Toby as it is located on a property they purchased back in 1978 just across the road from their family home.


“We are thrilled to be welcoming the next chapter of the Corryton Burge story at a space that is so special to us all as a family and is home to cherished memories of my childhood,” says Trent Burge.

The Burge family - which no longer owns the Grant Burge business - is moving from its current location at Underground Barossa.


Sixth-generation Barossans Trent, Amelia, and Toby and their parents are the driving forces behind Corryton Burge.


The new tasting facility offers a Discovery Tasting for $10pp, which showcases six wines across the Kith and Kin ranges, plus its inaugural Sparkling Collection which launched last year.


Guests can also choose to enjoy the Paired Tasting Experience ($20pp) which includes six wines from the Corryton Burge portfolio to taste alongside locally produced snacks.


Group bookings are also available with a dedicated private tasting room which holds up to 15 guests.




“We are thrilled to be welcoming the next chapter of the Corryton Burge story at a space that is so
special to us all as a family and is home to cherished memories of my childhood,” says Trent Burge.


“We want everyone who walks into the Corryton Burge cellar door to feel that instant warmth of our
Burge family hospitality and enjoy everything our space has to offer.”


For over 160 years, generations of the Burge family have worked to build one of the most
recognisable names in the wine industry.


What began as door-to-door fortified wine sales evolved over each generation to see the Burge family now own over 300 hectares of vineyard across the region.

The new Corryton Burge Cellar Door building was first renovated by Helen Burge in 2013-2014 but was then leased out for several years.


Now the building is back in the hands of the Burge family.


“I have worked in the wine industry for many years, but nothing has made me prouder than building
Corryton Burge, which encompasses the passion and dedication of the whole Burge family,” says
Grant Burge.


“To mark the next chapter in the Burge family winemaking legacy at a location that has played a role in our family upbringing just couldn’t be a better fit - it’s great to be home!”


The Corryton Burge portfolio spans red, white, and sparkling wines grown from sites in the Barossa
Valley, Eden Valley, Adelaide Hills, and Tasmania’s Derwent Valley.


“For as long as I can remember I’ve been amongst the vineyards in the Barossa, it’s a special place,
and every wine we craft here at Corryton Burge attempts to reflect that and share it with the
drinker,” says Trent Burge.


“We focus on showcasing only the best parcels of fruit from this exceptional winemaking region, to produce wines with a sense of place.”

The Corryton Burge Cellar Door is located at the corner of Krondorf and Lilyfarm Roads, Krondorf,
South Australia and is open daily from 10am to 5pm except Good Friday, Christmas Day and
Boxing Day.

See www.corrytonburge.com

Seafood on the waterfront in Sydney without busting your budget

Nothing says "Sydney" and "summer" like kicking back and eating fresh seafood while sipping cold wine on the waterfront. 

There is no shortage of seafood eateries in Sydney, but one that combines a great location with good food is love.fish, a 175-seater that is part of the Streets of Barangaroo precinct and located directly opposite the Barangaroo ferry wharf. 

If you love people watching this is your spot: from rollerbladers to joggers, cyclists to posers, the chronically under-dressed to commuters. All the world's a stage. 

And given the huge rents the love.fish team must pay for their prime spot, their prices are extremely reasonable. Think locally-sourced oysters, raw fish, whole fish, platters, and crustaceans.

We tried the $69 per person "Feed Me" menu for lunch - and it offered an impressive range of seafood dishes that can be matched matched to wines for another $29 per person. You still get out for under $100 a head, which seems very fair to me. There is a two-person minimum for this offering. 

The menu starts with tuna crudo (on betel leaf with chilli and lime, above) and a salt and pepper squid from Tasmania. Both hit the spot but the artisan focaccia was sadly soggy and tasteless. These dishes were matched with a bright 2024 Nick O'Leary Riesling from the Canberra region. 

Next up: a grilled Daintree barramundi fillet with asparagus, peach and salsa verde (above) and a very well-composed blue swimmer crab risotto with fennel and zucchini blossoms (below). This duo was accompanied by a well-matched Briar Ridge chardonnay from the Hunter Valley. 

To finish: toasted coconut and mango crumble with a coconut sorbet. Impressively summery and paired with a chilled Pfeiffer NV Topaque fortified.

Love.fish just gets it right - but they've got some experience. The business was founded 15 years ago with a policy of delivering sustainable and all-Australian casual seafood experiences.

The a la carte menu ranges from sashimi and scallops to a classic old-school king prawn cocktail, with mains like battered fish and chips. to a seafood platter for two for $195.

For those needing some greens there is a range of vegetable and salad sides. 

From small beginnings in Rozelle, this remains a family business; operated by Michael Milkovic and Michelle Grand-Milkovic, with an offering of affordable, sustainable seafood and casual but attentive hospitality.  

 See https://www.lovefish.com.au/    

# The writer was hosted by love.fish 

Queensland's highest-profile wine producer for sale

The highest-profile wine producer in Queensland has just hit the market - and will cost you a cool $8 million.

Family-owned and -operated Ballandean Estate was a wine pioneer in the Granite Belt region, and its success has been driven by Angelo and Mary Puglisi.

Brisbane-based Baton Advisory is the selling agent.

It describes Ballandean as "the opportunity to own a flourishing vineyard winery nestled in the scenic landscapes of the Granite Belt.

"Situated in one of Australia’s booming wine regions, this well-established business is perfectly positioned to reap the benefits of the area’s burgeoning tourism industry, which attracts over 400,000 annual visitors.

"With major investments pouring into the local area from both government bodies and high-net-worth individuals, the region is poised for unprecedented growth, making this an ideal time to invest in this thriving business."

The news was broken by Wine Business Magazine.

Established in 1932, Ballandean Estate produces around 10,000 cases annually and has around 35 hectares of vineyards.   

  

Yalumba marks 175 years of family excellence

The Hill-Smith family and its Yalumba brand will celebrate 175 years of winemaking on November 17.

In era where businesses sometimes last just a few years, Yalumba will be celebrating 175 years of multi-generational family ownership. 

The Hill-Smith family (above) will mark the anniversary with a series of releases and experiences at its home in Eden Valley and abroad.

Established in 1849 by Samuel Smith and today in the hands of fifth-generation proprietor and industry pioneer Robert Hill-Smith, Yalumba is Australia’s oldest family-owned winery, driven by the spirit of innovation passed down through six generations.

Robert Hill-Smith describes Yalumba’s 175th anniversary as “a genuinely momentous milestone”.

“This anniversary is not only a nod to years passed. It is a reflection of our resilience and a commitment to mastering our craft, generation after generation. It also acknowledges the many exceptional fine wine people that have come through the gates of Yalumba across three centuries, with shared love for our property, our wines, and our industry,” he says. 

“Most of all, it is celebration of an exciting future ahead for our family business and the world of Australian fine wine. While we celebrate our past 175 years, we keep our eyes firmly set on the next 175 as the generations before us have done.”

Yalumba is about to debut a Museum Collection featuring a limited selection of the great vintages of its finest wines, aged up to 20 years. Each of Yalumba’s Museum Collection wines is "testament to the family’s dedication to wines of pedigree and its treasured old vines", which include The Caley Cabernet & Shiraz, The Octavius Old Vine Shiraz, The Menzies Cabernet Sauvignon, and The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz.

The Yalumba Museum Collection will be released with very limited quantities available from the Yalumba Wine Room and partnering fine wine outlets and restaurants around the world.

Image: (L-R) Jessica Hill-Smith, Robert Hill-Smith, Lucy Hill-Smith

Chocolate business a sweet deal for Haigh's

Haigh's, the biggest family-owned chocolate business in Australia, is going full steam ahead.

The company this week released designs of its future $130 million Salisbury South manufacturing facility north of Adelaide.

The development, for which works will commence later this month, is the single largest infrastructure investment in the history of the South Australian business as it prepares for further expansion and growth.

“This project represents a significant milestone for Haigh’s, as it will see our current chocolate production capacity double, allowing us to meet increased demand and interstate growth opportunities, including entering new markets,” says chief executive Alister Haigh.

"We plan for the state-of-the-art facility to be fully operational in the second half of 2025, accommodating up to 400 employees over the course of the growth phase including the creation of approximately 150 new jobs."

Chief Operating Officer Peter Millard says: "Not only will this project directly create new jobs and opportunities at this site, it will facilitate employment growth across our retail business Australia-wide creating up to 250 new jobs in the medium and long term.$36 million of the project investment will go towards state-of-the-art European-made equipment."

Haigh’s has grown substantially over its 108-year history, now employing more than 800 people.

It was May 1, 1915, when Alfred E Haigh opened the doors of the very first Haigh’s Chocolates store 34 King William Street, Adelaide.

In 1917 he started producing chocolate-covered fruit centres, which the company still makes today.

Then, in 1919, Alfred bought land behind the family home at Parkside, where he built a small factory, which is now the Visitors Centre.

Today the company is run by fourth generation Haighs, Alister and Simon, who started in the 1970s. They’ve been joint managing directors since 1990.

There are now 21 Haigh’s stores across Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra.

Back to the future at Stonier Wines

New owners are taking iconic Mornington Peninsula winemaker Stonier back to its roots.

Stonier was a family business when founded by Brian Stonier in 1978 and it is now back in family ownership after over 20 years as a corporate entity.

New owner Circe Wines is operated by three local families: the Drummond, McLeod and Thickins families.

Aaron Drummond, previously general manager of New Zealand star winery Craggy Range, is part of the group that acquired the winery, vineyard, and brand, from Accolade Wines in December last year and changes are already in place.

"Stonier is a pioneer and icon of the Mornington Peninsula and we are honoured to be its new custodians." Drummond says.

"I grew up on the Peninsula and Brian Stonier’s grandchildren were friends of mine. I have immense respect for Brian’s ambition and for what he achieved. After working all around the world in fine wine it is an incredible opportunity to finally come home and work with another iconic producer.

"Our vision for Stonier is quite simple. We are going back 20 years to Brian’s original ambition of cementing Stonier as one of Australia’s great fine wine producers. To do this we are investing in our farming, our people, and ensuring that nothing gets in the way of quality.

“We all have plenty of experience in the wine industry and are passionate about this as a long term, world class, family orientated fine wine project.” 

There is a new team in place with Justin Purser having joined Stonier as chief winemaker in 2022 after a decade at Best’s Great Western, while on the vineyard side viticulturalist Tim Brown has experience with pinot noir at places like Bindi and Place of Changing Winds.