Australia producing too many wine grapes

Bad news today for the Australian wine industry as national stock levels rise.

Wine production exceeded sales in 2024–25, leading to a rise of 5% in national stock levels, The Australian Wine Production, Sales and Inventory Report 2025, released by Wine Australia.

The worsening imbalance between supply and demand comes as global conditions for wine remain tough. 

Analysis of global market conditions suggests that the outlook for wine has deteriorated in the past 12 months. 

Global consumption has continued to decline and remains lower than global production. Consumption is forecast to decrease further in the next five years.

These unfavourable market conditions are compounded for Australia by the high stock levels carried forward from 2024–25. 

The increase in Australian wine stocks without an increase in sales is likely to reduce future demand for wine and wine grapes. As a result, grape prices are unlikely to improve in the next few years.

Results large winemakers in Australia indicated that total Australian wine production from the 2025 vintage was 1.13 billion litres, or 126 million 9-litre case equivalents. This was 9% higher than in 2024, but 7% below the 10-year average of 1.22 billion litres.

The production of red wine increased by 15%, while the production of white wine increased by 2%. 

Wine Australia manager for market insights Peter Bailey said that the result was expected, after the grape crush in 2025 increased by 11%, with nearly 90% of the additional tonnes being red.

“Production was still below the 10-year average, but it was the second vintage in a row where the crush increased from the 20-year low in 2023, despite the high levels of stock going into the 2025 vintage,” Bailey said.

Export sales increased by 3% to 638 million litres, driven by growth in exports to mainland China, which increased by 53 million litres to 85 million litres in the latest 12-month period.

Image: Andrii Omelnytskii, Scop.io

French government offers millions to support vine pull scheme

The French Ministry of Agriculture this week unveiled a rescue package for the country’s ailing wine sector that will include a €130 million ($231 million AUD) funding package to support vineyard removal.

It comes comes after grape growers protested in the streets of the southern city of Beziers calling for urgent government and EU support as the sector struggles with a combination of extreme weather conditions, soaring costs and falling sales, news hub the drinks business reported.

The goal of the new support package is to "stabilise the wine market and support long-term solutions".

A ministry statement said: “The government is allocating €130 to fund a new, permanent vine-pulling plan requested by the wine industry in order to rebalance the supply and restore the viability of struggling farms in the most vulnerable regions".

Minister of agriculture, agri-food and food sovereignty of France, Annie Genevard, announced the package to sector stakeholders at a major trade fair, SITEVI, in Montpellier. It also includes a loan component.

French officials have lowered projection for this year’s wine output to 36 million hectolitres, down from the 37.4 million forecast last month and 1% below last year’s harvest, citing a heatwave in August.

The revised forecast, based on the latest harvest results, was 16% below the five-year average.

Genevard has also urged the European Commissioner for Agriculture Christophe Hansen to “mobilise the European crisis reserve, particularly to finance the crisis distillation of non-marketable surpluses, primarily in co-operative cellars.”

In the statement, Genevard added: “This new very significant financial effort, despite a particularly difficult budgetary context and subject to the adoption of a finance bill, demonstrates the Government’s determination to sustainably save our viticulture and enable it to bounce back."

She insisted it was not “yet another emergency plan to correct a structural imbalance,” but “an investment to give a future” to the wine industry.

The wine and spirits sector supports 600,000 jobs in France, and accounts for €32 billion in turnover, half of which is exports.

The Béziers demonstration on November 15, organised by the Aude winegrowers union, highlighted the plight of French winegrowers.

Damien Onorre, president of the union, told Le Monde newspaper: “For three years, we have suffered droughts and heat waves above 40°C. I have lost 50% of my production over this period.”

New releases mark a rejuvenation milestone for Henschke

Three new Adelaide Hills white wine releases from the Henschke family represent a resilient return. The wines are from vineyards that were affected by the 2019 Cudlee Creek bushfire that caused more than $200 million in damage.

The new releases are the 2025 Percival's Hill Grüner Veltliner, the 2025 Joseph Hill Gerwürzttaminer and 2025 Green's Hill Riesling, all from what is rated as an exceptional vintage.

"The first release of grüner veltliner, gewürztraminer and riesling from our Lenswood Vineyard in the Adelaide Hills since the Cudlee Creek bushfire in 2019 marks an exciting milestone for Henschke," says viticulturist Prue Henschke.

"Our team has devoted countless hours to regenerating the 45-hectare property, from training over 65,000 vines on newly installed trellises to planting hundreds of native trees and shrubs to create habitats for wildlife, improving the soil with compost, and ensuring our vineyard sits in a healthy balance with the natural landscape.

"It is a pleasure to share these wines and celebrate the rejuvenation of this unique, cool-climate site."

The fire, which broke out in "catastrophic" conditions in the Adelaide Hills on December 20, 2019, started after a powerline was dislodged by a falling tree. It destroyed more than 70 homes. 

Someone will buy wine; win a trip to Antarctica

 Sustainability-driven wine brand Tread Softly is just a few bottles away from planting its three-
millionth tree and to celebrate the milestone it has launched a competition that offers the chance to win a trip to Antarctica. 

The giveaway offers Australians and New Zealanders the chance to win the rare prize. 

Antarctica Awaits will send one lucky winner and a guest to explore the world’s last great wilderness - the icy expanse of Antarctica - aboard a National Geographic expedition cruise.

The 10-day adventure begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, where the winners will prepare for their voyage before boarding the National Geographic Explorer. 

On a trip led by naturalists, biologists, and geologists, guests will experience Drake Passage, hike glaciers, kayak among icebergs, and possibly witness an abundance of wildlife - from humpback whales and orcas to Adélie penguins.

The trip includes return flights, four-star accommodation in both Ushuaia (Argentina) and Puerto Natales (Chile), an eight-day cruise aboard the National Geographic Explorer in a twin cabin that is valued at over $18,000 per person with meals and activities included, as well as $500 spending money, merchandise and Tread Softly wine.

Wendy Rend, brand partnership lead at Australian Geographic says: “It has been a pleasure to partner with Tread Softly and highlight their inspiring work through the Antarctica Awaits experience. It’s always uplifting to see brand’s values carried through so clearly in what they do.”

Since 2019, Tread Softly has planted one Australian native tree for every six bottles of wine sold, contributing to the growth of the Tread Softly Forest within Western Australia’s Yarra Yarra
biodiversity corridor. 

The initiative helps reduce the brand’s carbon footprint. 

The Antarctica Awaits promotion runs until January 31, 2026. For a chance to win purchase a bottle of Tread Softly from Dan Murphy’s, BWS or independent retailers before scanning the QR code on the pack or visiting www.treadtoantarctica.com. 

Pirie Tasmania ups the ante in sparkling wine space

Pirie Tasmania has upped the ante with two new releases in the Australian premium sparkling wine space. 

Pirie has announced the launch of its Millésime Prestige Range, which it says is "a rare and refined expression" of Tasmania’s cool-climate potential. 

The range features the 2022 Blanc de Blancs and 2023 Vintage Rosé made at the Tamar Ridge facility in the north of the state. 

Millésime Prestige is "born from a philosophy that greatness can only be achieved when site, season, and skill align perfectly". 

Head winemaker Tom Wallace says these cuvées are drawn exclusively from Tamar Valley vineyards, where Tasmania’s cool climate and long, gentle seasons create sparkling wines of "extraordinary purity, tension, and elegance".

“These wines are a true expression of patience and provenance,” says Wallace.

 “They’re only made when the vintage is exceptional. 

“These wines are crafted for life’s most memorable moments. Whether it’s a milestone celebration, an intimate dinner, or simply elevating a quiet evening, Millésime Prestige brings a sense of occasion to every pour.”

The RRP is $100 per bottle, which includes a gift box. 

The wines are available exclusively online at pirietasmania.com.au and at the Tamar Ridge Cellar Door.

Sydney Opera House under fire for French wine deal

Sydney Opera House has found itself at the centre of a storm after signing a three-year promotional deal with Champagne House Pommery.

The taxpayer-funded venue has been criticised by a peak wine industry body for choosing to promote Champagne while local grape growers face oversupply crisis.

The NSW Wine industry has condemned the deal, calling it an insult to struggling local winemakers and grape growers at a time when the industry is facing its most challenging period in decades.

"The three-year partnership sees one of Australia's most iconic NSW Government supported venues turn its back on world-class NSW sparkling wine producers in favour of imported French Champagne," NSW Wine said in a media statement.

"The decision comes as NSW grape growers grapple with severe oversupply, with many pulling out vines and struggling to find markets for their fruit," NSW Wine president Mark Bourne said

"The partnership represents a missed opportunity to provide vital market access to local producers who are fighting for survival.

"While NSW grape growers face oversupply and struggle to find markets for their fruit, the Sydney Opera House - funded by NSW taxpayers - has chosen to import French Champagne instead of supporting our world-class local sparkling wine producers.

"This is an insult to the hundreds of families across our wine regions doing it tough, and it's a betrayal of the principle that NSW taxpayer-supported institutions should champion NSW businesses.

"NSW has sparkling wine producers from the Hunter Valley to Orange, the Southern Highlands and Tumbarumba to the Riverina, yet our own state institution has turned its back on them. Our winemakers don't need sympathy - they need customers, and our most iconic venue should be leading the way, not abandoning them when they need support most.

"The partnership creates the bizarre situation where international tourists visiting one of Australia's most recognisable landmarks will be served French Champagne while local producers struggle to survive."

Opera House CEO Louise Herron AM said she was "delighted with the new partnership" - a statement that has been met with anger by a local industry facing unprecedented challenges.

"While Applejack Hospitality's recent takeover of the Opera Bar has been a welcome return to showcasing local wines, this decision by the Sydney Opera House Trust undermines those efforts and demonstrates an outdated view of what taxpayer-supported venues should be doing to support local business," NSW Wine said

The decision follows the Art Gallery of NSW's partnership with Tasmanian producer House of Arras, raising serious questions about whether NSW's premier cultural institutions are committed to supporting the state's wine industry, the statement said.

"As we all strive to build more sustainable businesses, it's staggering that the Sydney Opera House feels proud and compelled to import sparkling wine from the other side of the world when it could be supporting businesses from any of our 16 wine regions," Bourne said.

"Taxpayer supported institutions have a responsibility to lead by example. This decision sends a terrible message not just to our industry, but to every NSW business that expects state venues to support local enterprise when it matters most.

"NSW Wine is calling on the Sydney Opera House Trust to reconsider its decision and demonstrate genuine commitment to supporting local producers during this challenging time for the industry."

* NSW Wine represents wine producers across the state's 16 wine regions, advocating for the industry and promoting NSW wines domestically and internationally.

Shining a light on stellar chardonnay in the Hunter

There are literally dozens of grape varieties grown in the Hunter Valley, but virtually all the region's flagship wines are made from shiraz, or semillon. 

Chardonnay is pretty much an afterthought for many producers, so Meerea Park sprung a surprise when it released a 2024 Stratos Chardonnay with a $120 price tag. 

It is a superbly poised and precise wine made in tiny quantities; from just two barrels, in fact. 

Our Hunter Valley correspondent Rick Allen wrote about the wine for the Newcastle Herald. 

--  

When you bring out a new flagship wine and immediately make it the most expensive of its variety in the region, you leave yourself nowhere to hide.

And for brothers Garth and Rhys Eather of Meerea Park Wines in the Hunter, so be it.

Their Meerea Park Stratos 2024 Chardonnay has just been released at a hefty $120 a bottle, and they’re more than happy to let the wine do the talking.

Still, there’s no doubt the price point is bold considering there’s a lot of exceptionally good chardonnay made in the Hunter, some with great history and pedigree.

“I don’t look at it on a local level, but national - and in that regard I believe the price is very reasonable for the quality of wine you’re getting,” managing director Garth Eather said.

“I love the Hunter Valley and I’m sick of people getting the perception that our chardonnays aren’t as good as those from other regions like Margaret River or the Yarra because we don’t charge as much.

‘Also, we’re a small producer, don’t have our own vineyard, nor the same economy of scale as larger operations.

“So buying in the best fruit and using the very finest Sirugue oak barrels is expensive.”

The Stratos production equates to about 50 dozen bottles, and the wine will only be produced when vintage quality warrants it.

The idea of a flagship white to sit alongside their flagship BLACK shiraz had been on the agenda for a while.

“I didn’t want to do it with semillon because there’s not much you can do with semillon," Eather said. “But chardonnay is different. There’s a lot of choices you can make and I think it’s a product of how good the winemaker is going. And when they get it right, it’s beautiful. 

“I had the Stratos named trademarked and had been waiting for the right time and right wine to use it.”

--

The fruit comes from the top-notch Casuarina vineyard. 

Eather's verdict: “Terrific balance, no arms and legs sticking out, lovely richness of fruit, round and creamy. It has varietal character, length and depth. That’s what great wine is all about.”

See https://www.meereapark.com.au/

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/

Investing in Champagne: the good, the bad and the bubbly

Australians are prodigious drinkers of Champagne - even more so over the Christmas period when a glass or two of bubbles is de rigueur for many.

Wine broker Langtons has just released Australia's largest allocation of luxury Champagne and is promoting it as an investment.

Australia is consistently landing in the top 10 markets for Champagne globally and Langtons believes "the local fine wine market is expected to mimic overseas success with Champagne making it a key collection and investment category for fine wine enthusiasts".

My advice is to always buy wine you want to drink down the track, not merely as as an investment. To my palate Champagne does not improve with age. Others disagree. 

“When it comes to cellaring, Champagne is a category that deserves more of the spotlight here in Australia," says Michael Anderson, head of auctions at Langtons.

"As we’ve seen overseas, Champagne has an impressive ageing potential which sees the wine develop with grace to place itself as a wine category regularly fetching eye-watering prices under the hammer.

"We can expect to see Champagne rise up the ranks in the secondary market here in Australia, with savvy investors already purchasing sought-after bottles to cellar away for future auctioning."

Overseas, avid collectors are displaying an ever-growing interest in rare cuvées, prestige bottlings, and late-disgorged releases and most recently, non-vintage (NV) Champagnes are also joining this list, Langtons says. 

We shall see. 

Connew named winemaker of the year

Samantha Connew (above) added to a growing number of honours won by members of the wine industry in Tasmania in 2025 when she was named ASVO Winemaker of the Year.

The Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO) this week named the winners of its 2025 Awards for Excellence, including ‘Winemaker of the Year’, ‘Viticulturist of the Year’, ‘Wine Science and Technology Award’ and the new ‘Emerging Talent Award’.

Connew, vigneron/owner of Stargazer in the Coal River Valley, north of Hobart, was "recognised for her huge commitment to volunteering her time and expertise back to the industry, particularly to reward excellence in others".

She was was the youngest judge and first woman to serve as chair of judges at the Sydney Royal Wine Show and is the current Chair of Judges at the Royal Adelaide Wine Show. She serves as a tutor and on the Board of the Len Evans Tutorial and has previously served on the board of Wine Tasmania and the advisory board of the Australian Women in Wine Awards.

“This has been a challenging year for me personally and professionally (as it is for so many in the wine industry right now) so to be awarded this accolade by my peers is a timely reminder of why we do what we do despite the obstacles, and what a great industry this is to be a part of, and how I’m fortunate to be able to contribute,” Connew said.

Connew earlier this month opened the new Stargazer vineyard tasting room.

Viticulturist of the Year was Steve Faulkner, currently senior viticulturist for Oakridge Wines in the Yarra Valley, while the Wine Science & Technology Award went to Kerry Wilkinson, Professor of Oenology at the University of Adelaide.

Maggie Jarrett, originator of the concept of the Rootlings wine industry youth network in NSW, was the recipient of the new Emerging Talent Award. She works for SeeSaw Wines.

Image: Adam Gibson

Plunging US wine sales to Canada create opportunities for others

Sales of US wines in Canada have plunged, opening a huge opportunity for exporters from Australia and New Zealand. 

American wine sales in Canada have plummeted after Canada began barring the sale of US alcohol in response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs, US news outlet Newsweek reported. 

It said that in a recent report, the Sacramento-based Wine Institute found that US wine exports to its neighbour were down 91% between March and July 2025 compared to the same period last year. 

The advocacy group, which represents wineries and related businesses across California, also estimated that US producers have lost out on roughly $161 million in export value to Canada since March.

Very little US wine is exported to Australia - where our product is generally more affordable and more palatable - but Australian/NZ producers could fill the gap on Canadian shelves. 

Canada accounts for a significant portion of the United States' wine exports - 36 % in 2024 - and ongoing trade policy tensions have left producers concerned that they could lose out on this key market, fears shared by US distillers. 

The Wine Institute said in its report: “There has been no comparable, immediate drop in wine sales of this magnitude in recent history.”

In March, the Canadian government imposed retaliatory tariffs on US imports in response to the duties Trump had placed on the country. Several Canadian provinces, including populous Ontario and Quebec, also decided to remove US alcohol from government-run liquor stores. This included LCBO stores (top image). 

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that he would be dropping the retaliatory tariffs in August, but many provinces have kept their bans in place.

The effects of these bans have been compounded by a wider boycott of US goods in response to the trade standoff, as well as Trump’s repeated references to Canada as America’s “51st state,” which have also been credited with a drop in Canadians travelling to the US.

The US International Trade Commission says wine exports fell 73% year over year in March, from $34.5 million to $9.2 million. These losses worsened in the following months, resulting in an overall decline of 96% for the second quarter.

This mirrors the struggles of America’s distillers, with second-quarter spirit exports to Canada plunging by 85% percent year-over-year. 

The Wine Institute said in its report: “Restoring access isn’t just about trade, it’s about protecting family livelihoods, supporting economies and renewing a relationship that has benefited both nations for generations. Wine Institute stands ready with a plan to help US wineries rebuild those relationships and return to Canadian shelves as quickly as possible.”

The Wine Institute says that should the bans remain in place and exports continue to sink, “the US will cede its share of the market to the EU, Australia and New Zealand.” 

So opportunity knocks. 

A stunning new canvas for artisan Kiwi wine producer

Artisan Marlborough wine producer Blank Canvas has upped the ante by announcing the purchase of a spectacular looking nine-hectare vineyard property in the Omaka Valley, in the Southern Valleys sub region.

The vineyard will become the sustainability focused producer's long-awaited home site and will complement fruit sourced from nine existing partner vineyards, whose grapes anchor the Blank Canvas single-vineyard philosophy.

Blank Canvas was founded in 2012 by award-winning international winemaking consultant Matt Thomson and Master of Wine Sophie Parker-Thomson with the vision of crafting world-class wines.

“This is a defining moment in our evolution as we approach vintage number fourteen," says Sophie. "We have dreamt of the perfect home for Blank Canvas from day one and have been actively searching for it over several years. We are delighted that we have finally found it.”

The amphitheatre-shaped hillside vineyard that Blank Canvas will call home was established in 2003 and planted at very high density.

The property offers 360° views across the Wairau Valley.

The company plans substantial phased investment and careful development to realise the site’s full potential.

Winemaker Matt Thomson, who has completed an even split of 66 harvests over 33 years in Europe and New Zealand, says: “Site drives style. In the Old World, the best sites typically grow one or at most two varieties.

"In the New World we often try to force many varieties into one terroir, frequently with mediocre results. This site gives us two complementary terroirs - a cooler east face and a warmer west face - that will allow us to match variety and style to place, which is a founding ethos of Blank Canvas.”

While a small parcel of established pinot noir on the cooler eastern face will remain, Matt and Sophie plan to convert the remainder of the block, currently planted to sauvignon blanc, to varieties better suited to the microclimates created by the differing aspects.

“In New Zealand’s climate and with our high costs of production, it’s important we grow only varieties that are capable of true greatness,” says Matt.

“There is no doubt that nebbiolo, syrah and pinot noir produce some of the world’s greatest wines. These red varieties form a trifecta of great aromatic red wines of the world, and together with our belief in Marlborough chardonnay, we think we can achieve something very special from this extraordinary property.”

Blank Canvas will continue to release single-vineyard wines from its grower partners, while the new vineyard will reinforce the small-batch fine wine program.

The first vintage from the new Blank Canvas vineyard site will be harvested in 2026.

See https://blankcanvaswines.com/ 

Stargazer opens bijou vineyard tasting room

One of the most exciting wine brands in Tasmania has just opened a new mini tasting room.

Sam Connew's Stargazer Wines has unveiled a dedicated tasting room on its estate vineyard in the Coal River Valley.

The opening marks a significant milestone for winemaker and owner Connew, who founded the label in 2013 after being drawn to the region for its cool-climate conditions that reminded her of her native New Zealand.

Coinciding with the opening is the release of the 2025 vintage estate-grown Palisander wines - a single-vineyard pinot noir and riesling sourced from the now five-hectare vineyard that the tasting room overlooks. Tasting notes soon.

The small, architecturally designed space (above) reflects Connew’s bespoke, small-batch approach to winemaking.

Seating just 12 guests, it has been designed to host one-hour guided tasting experiences around a handcrafted communal table. Three guided tastings will be held per day, and the tasting room will also host special events, including collaborative dinners.

Before founding Stargazer, Connew had already built an impressive reputation across Australia and abroad.

She was senior winemaker at Wirra Wirra Vineyards in McLaren Vale, later managed Tower Estate in the Hunter Valley, and served as manager of the Hunter Valley node for the Australian Wine Research Institute.

 
A formative vintage in Oregon ignited her enduring passion for cool-climate viticulture.

“Opening this tasting room is a very personal achievement for me,” Connew said.

“Much of my earlier career centred on achieving consistency, but Stargazer has been about embracing the nuances of site, season and variety.

"This space is an opportunity to bring those stories to life and share them first-hand with the people who enjoy our wines.”

Bookings are essential for the intimate tastings, held Friday through Monday at 10am., 12:30pm and 3pm. 

Guests can reserve via the Stargazer website, with tastings priced at $35 per guest. Stargazer wine club members enjoy complimentary visits.

Bookings: stargazerwine.com.au

Image: Adam Gibson

Meet four new Barons of Barossa

The flamboyantly dressed members of the Barons of the Barossa welcomed four new members over the weekend.

At the same time as they celebrated their 50th birthday, the wine fraternity inducted four Barons at an event with a 1975 theme. Think a menu starring devilled eggs, prawn cocktails and vol au vents.

Amanda Mader, Darren Davis, Marie Clay and Ellie Neindorf Agnew were chosen by their peers in recognition of their considerable contributions to the Barossa.

“We are thrilled to honour these 4 new Barons, who have all contributed so much to the region," said Louisa Rose, Grand Master of the Barons.

"Their depth of passion for the Barossa across a range of roles - viticulture, winemaking, hospitality, food, agribusiness - brings a breath of fresh air to the Barons.

"Each has a deep love for Barossa and a strong commitment to its future.”

Amanda Mader is the Vine Scout, and is often found dissecting buds, advising on pruning or helping growers breathe new life into old vines. A former Barossa Viticulturist of the Year, she has patented an Australian-first ag tech device for measuring bunch weight in real time and is dedicated to help shape the future of Barossa viticulture.

Darren Davis has had a lifelong passion for the Barossa. In 2008 he opened Bar Barossa in Brisbane, making it the home away from home for Barossa winemakers. He continued the theme with his Barossa in Boardshorts event series and his Barossa Long Lunches.

A move to the Barossa to work for Wolf Blass in 2006 shaped Marie Clay’s winemaking path and today she is honoured to craft the storied Leo Buring rieslings. She was named Barossa Winemaker of the Year in 2024.

Ellie Neindorf Agnew has worked across the region’s food and wine scene with some of the Barossa’s most recognizable producers, was a graduate of the Barossa Young Ambassador program in 2017 and continued to work for the program for many years. In 2024, Ellie and her partner Owen Agnew became custodians of Gully Gardens in Angaston.

Stillwater Tasmanian wine list runs deep

Visiting Tasmania? Keen to seek out the best wine lists in the state that showcase local drops? 

You might want to take a look at the results of the 2025 Tasmanian Wine List of the Year awards.

The winners were announced this week with the Judges' Choice Award for the Best Tasmanian Wine List going to Launceston dining institution Stillwater (above).

Category winners were also announced, with Stillwater collecting another award (Best Tasmanian Wine List - Hobart or Launceston), Stanley Wine Bar being recognised by both the judges and the public (Best Tasmanian Small Bar Wine List and People's Choice Tasmanian Wine List) and The Branch Swansea (Best Tasmanian Wine List - Regional).

Black Cow Bistro, which hosted the awards, was highly commended by the judges for its Tasmanian wine list.

"The record number of 16 finalists reflects the high quality of wine lists featuring local wines from around the island," said Wine Tasmania CEO Sheralee Davies.

"We are delighted to see the significant efforts our hospitality venues are making to highlight, promote and support Tasmanian wines.

"We know that people are travelling to Tasmania specifically to experience our exceptional wines and that our wine tourists are staying longer, spending more and travelling into our regional areas to visit cellar doors.

"Being able to enjoy a glass of Tassie wine over a meal is great for both our visitors and supportive locals."

Wine Tasmania also released the new 2026 edition of its Tasmanian Wine Trails publication.

This brochure, concierge map and accompanying online directory serves as the go-to guide for visiting Tasmania’s cellar doors along the North-West, Tamar Valley, East Coast and Southern Wine Trails.

The online Wine Trails can be accessed at https://winetasmania.com.au/wine-trails.

From a backyard venture to global success: Calabria Wines marks 80 years

What began 80 years ago as a migrant family's backyard hobby is now a global wine success story.

Calabria Family Wines, formerly known as Westend, is celebrating 80 years of winemaking, honouring four generations of family legacy and innovation dating back to 1945.

With vineyards from the Riverina to the Barossa, the Calabria family has launched a commemorative digital story, featuring family patriarch Bill Calabria and his granddaughter Sophie, sharing their journey. Watch the video.

The story begins in Griffith, home to many Italian migrant families, but Francesco and Elisabetta Calabria’s hobby has grown into one of Australia’s leading family-owned wine businesses.

Bill Calabria AM (below), second-generation winemaker, director, and one-time professional boxer. reflects on the journey.

“We’ve come a long way from my parents’ backyard winery," he says. "What hasn’t changed is our commitment to quality, our love for the land, curiosity, and the belief that wine brings people together. That’s what drives us forward.”

The Calabrias now have state-of-the-art winemaking facilities with third and fourth generations now actively involved.

Calabria, Richland and Three Bridges are among the family's high-profile label, with the addition of new brands like Calabria BELENA, and premium wines including Iconic and Saint Petri.

The 80th birthday sees the family focusing on the future, as well as supporting national charities through the Bill Calabria Foundation.

“We’re not just making wine, we’re building something that lasts," says Andrew Calabria, third-generation sales and marketing director.

"That means listening to our customers, investing in our people, and protecting the land that gives us so much.”

To mark this milestone, the Calabria family has unveiled the Calabria 80th Anniversary Limited Edition Durif VP.

“We’re proud of our history, and reaching 80 years is a significant milestone; it definitely is a time to reflect,” says Bill Calabria. 

“Having Sophie retell our story makes it even more special. But we’re not just looking back; we’re firmly focused on the road ahead. Calabria Family Wines is here for the long haul.”

Calabria wines are today exported to over 40 countries and are known for offering excellent value.

For more information about Calabria Family Wines see www.calabriawines.com.au.

Boom time for wine tourism

Wine producers who do not invest in tasting facilities and tourism drawcards risk missing out on valuable income.

A new international study has found that wine tourism remains a profitable and expanding part of the global wine industry, with 65% of wineries reporting positive returns and more than half planning to invest further, trade news hub drinks business reported this week.

Wine tourism continues to prove a strong revenue driver for producers worldwide, with 65% of wineries describing it as profitable or very profitable, according to a new study by Geisenheim University in collaboration with UN Tourism, the OIV, the Great Wine Capitals Global Network and WineTourism.com.

The Global Wine Tourism Report 2025, based on responses from 1,310 wineries across 47 countries, found that 88% currently offer some form of wine tourism activity, most commonly tastings (79%), cellar tours (68%) and vineyard tours (61%). 

The report records a median of 1,500 visitors per winery each year, with domestic tourists making up 65% of total visitors. 

While most wineries report stable or rising visitor numbers, 43% of European producers saw growth over the past year compared to 28% of those overseas.

The largest visitor segment is aged 45–65 (82%), followed by 25–44 (59%), while only 2% of wineries report guests under 25, suggesting ongoing challenges in engaging younger audiences.

More than half of wineries surveyed (51%) plan to invest further in wine tourism, and 73% expect their wine tourism activities to grow in the future. The study also found that 78% of wineries collaborate with other organisations to enhance experiences.

In my experience, producers in South Africa and Argentina are among those most proactive with tourists.  

Wine tourism contributes an average of 25% of total winery revenue, rising to 32% in non-European wineries. Key challenges identified include economic pressures (51%), decreasing consumption (51%), and changing consumer preferences (40%).

Overall, 68% of wineries believe wine tourism will grow in their region, and more than 60% see it as a valuable tool in times of crisis.

The report says wine tourism “plays a key role in diversifying rural economies, creating jobs, and supporting local communities”. 

And, of course, there are the financial benefits of sales direct to customers. 

Image; Solms Delta Wines in Franschhoek, South Africa, will offer wine tastings, live music, and an on-site museum in 2026, and is planning to reopen its Fyndraai Restaurant.

Anyone for a Crème Brûlée Chardonnay? Calling wine lovers with a sweet tooth

Calling wine lovers with a sweet tooth.

Wine industry disruptors Fourth Wave Wines have recently released Patisserie - a wine range inspired by the flavours of a French pastry shop.

"With an increasing number Millennial and Gen Z consumers reaching for wines that are sweet, delicate and soft, flavour exploration is becoming increasingly crucial in the drinks industry for attracting and retaining consumers," says Ross Marshell, managing director at Fourth Wave.

The range of atisserie-inspired varietals includes a Raspberry Eclair Moscato, a Passionfruit Friand Sauvignon Blanc, a Pineapple Madeline Pinot Gris, a Crème Brûlée Chardonnay and a Strawberry Macaron Rosé.

“We are delighted to introduce Patisserie - a wine range inspired by the flavours of beloved French desserts and designed to make every moment special”, says Marshell.

“Bringing something fresh to the category, this range is all about capturing the evolving tastes of today’s wine lovers.

"It’s created for the growing market of consumers who want more from the wine experience or are looking to enter the category for the first time.

"Whether it be celebrating, gifting or sharing with friends, Patisserie offers a truly delightful and modern twist on classic varietals.

"Each wine in the Patisserie range has been playfully created, with a precise approach to highlight each varietal’s naturally vibrant, fruit-driven character.

"Fermentation is gently paused before the wine reaches full dryness, ensuring a delicate touch of natural grape sweetness remains, giving the palate a soft, rounded finish.

"To elevate the tasting experience, a hint of natural flavour is seamlessly blended in, complementing the wine’s vibrant fruit notes while maintaining its varietal integrity, with a slight frizzante in each style to further enhance the flavour."

The Patisserie range is now available at Dan Murphy’s, BWS and selected independent retailers nationally for an RRP of $19.

See www.patisseriewines.com

Champagne Bollinger uncorks significant new releases

Bollinger, a brand much loved by Champagne aficionados around the world, has just launched PNTX20, a sparkling wine expression that celebrates the house's mastery of pinot noir, which comprises the bulk of its estate fruit.

Champagne Bollinger's PN TX20 is a 100% pinot noir wine predominantly from the Tauxières terroir and uses base material from the 2020 vintage complemented by various reserve wines from other years and crus.

Founded in 1829, Champagne Bollinger says: "This new PN TX20 edition allows the cuvée to reinvent itself through the unique organoleptic profile of this emblematic grape variety." So there. 

Tauxières, the source of the majority of the grapes, is  in the Montagne de Reims region, midway between Reims and Epernay, where pinot noir excels. 

The Bollinger tasting notes say it is:  A luminous, expressive Champagne with layers of red berries, ripe stone fruit, and Bollinger’s signature toasted brioche and hazelnut complexity."

I’ve just tested the release. It is a big, textural and structured Champagne. A statement release that is one for lovers of savoury styles. It oozes class. It is toasty, spicy, poised and food friendly. Pair with canapes, or with a cheese platter. 

Champagne Bollinger has also released a Special Cuvée 007 Limited Edition to celebrate over 45 years as the Official Champagne of James Bond.



The partnership between Bollinger and Bond began on screen in 1979 with Moonraker, though the Champagne was first referenced in Ian Fleming’s Diamonds Are Forever in 1956. 

Since then, the collaboration has become one of cinema’s most enduring brand alliances.

The new limited-edition release (above) comes in a black collector’s box inspired by the iconic Bond opening sequence. The front features a gold gun barrel motif with Bond’s silhouette at the centre, set against a black-and-gold colourway with metallic embossing. The bottle itself carries the 007 branding on the neck collar.

“Champagne Bollinger and James Bond share a commitment to elegance, craftsmanship, and timeless sophistication,” said Victoria Carfantan, director of global partnerships at Champagne Bollinger. 

“This release is both a celebration of our shared history and an invitation for Bond fans and Champagne lovers alike to savour the taste of The Champagne of James Bond.”

Low-profile Tasmanian winery offers good value

 

Making wines in Tasmania's cool climate is both risky and expensive. 

That's why you'll see cult Tasmanian drops selling for $30-40 a glass in Melbourne and Sydney wine bars, but rarely find a decent bottle of Tasmanian pinot noir or chardonnay for under $30-40 a bottle in your local wine store. 

The simple fact is that Tasmanian wine is a premium product that usually fetches premium prices. 

That's why the name Chartley Estate - owned by Peter and Loraine Kossmann -should be on the radar of wine lovers with ambitious tastes but tight budgets. 

The labels are low key (pretty dull, actually) and the marketing close to non existent, but the Chartley wines from the West Tamar in the north of the state do offer good value for money. 

The secret is healthy high-cropping - for Tasmania - vineyards that are managed personally by Loraine Kossmann. 

Their wholesalers at Red+White/Mezzanine recently sent me their current releases to take a look at the range. 

The best-seller is the delightful 2024 Pinot Gris, but the 2023 Riesling, 2024 Sauvignon Blanc and 2023 Chardonnay are all well-made and immediately enjoyable, as is the savoury 2021 Pinot Noir. Value with a capital V here. 

All the white table wines retail for between $25 and $35.  The brisk savvy B, they stylish chardonnay and the pinot noir were my personal favourites. 

There are also two sparkling wines on offer: the 2021 Lavinia and 2020 Sparkling Rosé, made by Jeremy Dineen that offers appealing strawberry notes. 

The still wines are crafted by consultant winemaker Peter Dredge, one of the Apple Isle's star winemakers, who adds his own sprinkle of stardust.   

 For more details see https://chartleyestatevineyard.com.au/