New wine label for Kooyong/Port Phillip Estate

The Gjergja family has added a new label to its Port Phillip Estate, Kooyong and Quartier collection. 

The family purchased the Bellvale vineyard in Berrys Creek, South Gippsland, in early 2025 and is releasing the 2025 vintage releases.

Approximately 120 kilometres east of the winery on the Mornington Peninsula, this area of South Gippsland has potential for producing some of Australia’s finest pinot noir and chardonnay, the family believes. 

"We are honoured to become the custodians of this remarkable cool-climate site," managing director Marco Gjergja announced after the purchase from John and Athena Ellis. 

The 19-hecatare vineyard is located in the Tarwin River Valley and its north-facing, dry-grown, high-density vineyard lies at 165-195 metres above sea level on deep red loam of volcanic origin.

"Building on the strong foundations laid by John [Ellis] over the last 27 years, we look forward to progressing Bellvale’s legacy, propelling it into the future, and producing compelling pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot gris," the Gjergja family says. 

The Ellis family will retain the 2024 vintage wines with the new 2025 vintage wines released now for an RRP of $32-39. All are made by Tim Perrin

They are distributed by Negociants. The pinot gris is underwhelming. The chardonnay very good. The pinot noir the star. 

See www.portphillipestate.com.au  

All white on the night: surprising Kiwi wine stats

New Zealand wine is an economic powerhouse. 

Kiwi wines are exported to more than 100 countries and wine is New Zealand’s seventh-largest export. 

But the world isn't drinking much Central Otago pinot noir, or Hawke's Bay syrah. 

White wine accounts for approximately 95% of New Zealand’s global wine exports - an astonishing figure. Sauvignon blanc remains the country’s most exported variety, with pinot gris and chardonnay building up steam. 

Half the cash spent by Aussies on sauvignon blanc is on wine from New Zealand. That means Aussies drink more Kiwi savvy blanc than Aussie-produced savvy. 

Wine lovers worldwide are being invited to celebrate New Zealand’s white wines this May, marking three international wine days with a global salute. 

The Pour Yourself a Glass of New Zealand campaign will see tasting and activations around the globe. 

Timed to coincide with International Sauvignon Blanc Day (May 1), International Pinot Gris Day (May 17) and International Chardonnay Day (May 21 ), the campaign aims to shine a light on New Zealand’s signature white wine styles. 

“New Zealand has built a global reputation for producing refreshing, expressive, high‑quality white wines,” says Charlotte Read, general manager brand (what does that even mean?), New Zealand Winegrowers. 

“From sauvignon blanc to pinot gris and chardonnay, these wines reflect both the diversity of our regions and a modern approach to winemaking.”

Wine lovers are encouraged to join the celebration using #pouryourselfaglassofNZ, #greatwhitewinetoast, #whitewineemoji and #nzwine as social media hashtags.

For more info see www.nzwine.com/en/trade/glassofnz

The campaign also builds awareness ahead of Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand 2027, New Zealand’s flagship international wine event (February 2-4 2027). www.sauvignonnz.com. 

Upping the ante on low-alcohol wines

New Zealand winery Giesen - one of the pioneers in the low-alcohol wine market - is upping the ante with a new range.

Giesen says there is increased consumer interest in lighter and no-alcohol wines, prompting the launch of the its new formula Pure Light range, which has been reduced from from 9% to 6% alcohol by volume.

"Wine lovers can now enjoy their New Zealand sauvignon blanc or pinot gris with 50% less alcohol, without compromising on flavour." Giesen says in a statement.

It is claimed the new wines also have 45% less calories than full-strength wine.

Recent research shows 46% of Australian wine drinkers claim to be reducing their alcohol intake, says Wine Intelligence.

That figure increases to 56% for the 18-34 age group.

Giesen Group has invested in a $1 million in-house spinning cone (the technology used to remove alcohol).

With three three years' experience making the Giesen 0% range, the company says it now has the capacity to reduce the alcohol in Pure Light and not lose any of the flavours or aromas.

I will report back after sampling the wines.

“This is an exciting evolution for our Pure Light range, which we have been making for several years at 9% alcohol/volume," says chief winemaker, Duncan Shouler.

"We’re doing things differently, though. The wines are first crafted as classic New Zealand sauvignon blanc and pinot gris, going through the same process as we use for our full-strength wines.

"We then use our advanced spinning cone technology to delicately remove alcohol down to 6% alc/vol, leaving us with lower alcohol but maximum flavour.

"Many would fail to even know that the wine is lighter-in-alcohol given the aroma and palate are so similar."




Both wines are gluten free and vegan friendly and will be rolling out across Australia in Dan Murphy’s stores with an RRP of $16.99.