News from The Adelaide Hills Wine Region

Harvest is underway with the first grapes picked for sparkling wine earlier this month. Some of our most sought after varieties (Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc) may be in short supply this vintage. So, if you see vines with nets over them, you know why. We can't let the birds get a single precious grape!

FAMILIA TORRES | Press release 240403 | Familia Torres, named the World's Most Admired Wine Brand 2024

The Drinks International ranking is compiled from a survey of a hundred wine experts

Vilafranca del Penedès, 3rd April 2024. Familia Torres has been voted the world's most admired wine brand by industry professionals, according to the Drinks International recently published ranking. The family-owned winery from Penedès tops once again the annual list "for its sustainable leadership, quality and consistency of its wines and brand strength across the globe" as stated by the British magazine.

Which are some of the world's most famous wine regions?

There are many famous wine regions around the world that are renowned for their quality wines and unique terroir. Here are some of the most famous wine regions:

• Bordeaux, France - Bordeaux is one of the most famous wine regions in the world and is known for producing some of the finest red wines in the world, made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other grape varieties.
• Burgundy, France - Burgundy is another famous wine region in France, known for producing some of the world's most expensive and sought-after wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
• Tuscany, Italy - Tuscany is one of Italy's most famous wine regions and is particularly known for producing high-quality red wines, such as Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Super Tuscans.
• Napa Valley, California, USA - Napa Valley is one of California's premier wine regions and is particularly known for producing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines.
• Barossa Valley, Australia - The Barossa Valley is one of Australia's most famous wine regions and is particularly known for its full-bodied Shiraz wines.
• Douro Valley, Portugal - The Douro Valley is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world and is particularly known for producing Port wines, as well as still wines made from indigenous grape varieties.

Other notable wine regions include Champagne in France, Rioja in Spain, Marlborough in New Zealand, and the Mosel Valley in Germany, among many others.

Which are some of the most famous wineries in Australia?

Australia has many famous wineries that produce world-renowned wines. Here are some of the most famous wineries in Australia:

• Penfolds - Penfolds is one of Australia's oldest and most prestigious wineries, founded in Adelaide in 1844. They are particularly famous for their high-end wines, including the iconic Penfolds Grange, which is one of Australia's most expensive and sought-after wines.
• Jacob's Creek - Jacob's Creek is a well-known winery that produces a wide range of wines, including Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Riesling. They are located in the Barossa Valley, one of Australia's premier wine regions.
• Yalumba - Yalumba is one of Australia's oldest family-owned wineries, founded in 1849. They are located in the Barossa Valley and are particularly known for their Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
• Henschke - Henschke is a small, family-owned winery located in the Eden Valley wine region in South Australia. They are particularly famous for their Hill of Grace Shiraz, which is one of Australia's most expensive and sought-after wines.
• Hardys - Hardys is one of Australia's largest wine producers, with vineyards located in many different wine regions across the country. They produce a wide range of wines, from affordable everyday wines to premium wines.
• Wynns Coonawarra Estate - Wynns Coonawarra Estate is located in the Coonawarra wine region in South Australia and is particularly famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon wines.

These are just a few examples of the many famous wineries in Australia. Other notable wineries include Torbreck, Leeuwin Estate, and Vasse Felix, among many others.

Which are the world's most popular grape varieties

There are hundreds of different wine grape varieties grown around the world, but some are more popular than others. Here are some of the world's most popular wine grape varieties:

• Cabernet Sauvignon - This red grape variety is widely planted in Bordeaux, France, and is also grown in many other wine regions around the world. It is known for its full-bodied, tannic structure and flavors of blackcurrant, black cherry, and sometimes green bell pepper.
• Chardonnay - This white grape variety is grown all over the world, but is especially popular in Burgundy, France, where it produces some of the world's most expensive wines. It is known for its full body, creamy texture, and flavors of green apple, pear, and sometimes butter and oak.
• Pinot Noir - This red grape variety is grown in many cool-climate wine regions around the world, but is most famously associated with Burgundy, France. It is known for its light to medium body, high acidity, and flavors of red cherry, raspberry, and sometimes earthy or floral notes.
• Merlot - This red grape variety is widely planted in Bordeaux, France, and is also grown in many other wine regions around the world. It is known for its soft, smooth tannins and flavors of plum, blackberry, and sometimes chocolate.
• Sauvignon Blanc - This white grape variety is grown all over the world, but is especially popular in Bordeaux, France, and Marlborough, New Zealand. It is known for its high acidity, refreshing citrus and tropical fruit flavors, and sometimes grassy or herbaceous notes.
• Syrah/Shiraz - This red grape variety is grown in many warm-climate wine regions around the world, but is most famously associated with the Rhône Valley in France and Australia. It is known for its full body, spicy black pepper and dark fruit flavors, and sometimes smoky or meaty notes.

These are just a few examples of the many popular wine grape varieties in the world. Other notable varieties include Zinfandel, Riesling, Sangiovese, and Malbec, among many others.

Meet the 2023 Tasting Australia Drinks Curators

Two of South Australia's top sommeliers will join the Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel creative team.

Meet the 2023 Tasting Australia Drinks Curators Two of South Australia's top sommeliers will join the Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel creative team in the role of Drinks Curators. We welcome Banjo Harris Plane and Meira Harel – husband and wife duo – who will lead the beverage program in 2023. Both widely recognised as leading beverage authorities in Australia, the couple relocated to Adelaide in 2019, bringing with them extensive wine and beverage knowledge from around the world and experience working at some of Australia's top restaurants. A special thanks to our outgoing Drinks Curator Nick Stock for his contribution to the festival over the last four years. 'It has been an honour to help shape the festival's beverage program and showcase drinks in all their diversity. I look forward to seeing where the new team takes it next.' Discover Meira Harel Meira, originally from Israel, was named 'Sommelier of the Year' by The Age Good Food Guide in 2016 after working as sommelier and restaurant manager for Melbourne's The Town Mouse and The Lake House. Now happily settled in South Australia, Meira is General Manager of hospitality group Another Kind, that includes some of Adelaide's leading hospitality venues - Press Food and Wine, Peel Street Restaurant and Leigh Street Wine Room. Discover

Banjo Harris Plane Banjo, who was awarded the 'Best Sommelier in Australia' twice over during his five-year stint at Melbourne's internationally acclaimed Attica, also opened two CBD hotspots of his own – Capitano and Bar Liberty. Banjo is also the founder of Good Pair Days, Australia's most personalised online wine business. Discover The South Australian Tourism Commission acknowledges and respects Aboriginal people as the state's first people and nations, and recognises Aboriginal people as traditional owners and occupants of South Australian land and waters.

News from Adelaide Hills Wine Region - October 2022

Spring in Adelaide is a funny thing...it's like a lottery. One day it's beautifully sunny and 27 degrees. The next day it's rainy and 15. Then to really throw you, the following day is both warm and rainy.  While showers may be predicted for the inaugural Sparkling Spring this coming weekend, the bubbles will still be flowing with a series of great things to do at the fifteen participating Adelaide Hills wineries. Exciting Sparkling Wine tastings will be spread over the whole weekend at Tappanappa's Daosa Time & Tradition, Deviation Road's Discovery, The Lane's Taste the World of Sparkling and Croser/Golding Effervescence experience.  Let's see what else you can do, day by day, over the Sparkling Spring weekend. FRIDAY 21st OCTOBER If you are living the dream (in other words you don't have to work this Friday) consider popping up to the Hills. Some light hearted Friday fun is to be found at Anderson Hill with their Fizz Fashion and Fun! No bookings are required so you can simply turn up and enjoy platters of local produce, live music, market stalls and fashion parades.  Alternatively, after work, be surrounded by stunning flowers at Karkoo Nursery for Bubbles and Blooms with a box of Asian inspired goodies and a glass of Golding's award-winning Marjorie Blanc de Blancs. SATURDAY 22nd OCTOBER Nepenthe will be a great place to hang out on Saturday for a relaxed session of Eats, Beats and Bubbles with live music and food trucks setting a festive mood. For the artistic, be sure to enroll in Bubbles & Brushes so you can take home your own masterpiece inspired by their delicious Prestige Cuvée. A different style of Sparkling wine is the increasingly popular Prosecco. Artwine Bianco and Rose Prosecco will be the go-to wine at their Italian Stravaganza with a mouthwatering Italian menu of antipasto and pizza by Bally. Or, for a sit-down lunch, head south to Meadows for Karrawatta's Sparkling Spring Soiree where their Popsie Sparkling will be paired with a seafood feast by Adelaide’s first and only sustainable seafood restaurant, Angler at Stirling. Then you could mix it up at Grünthal where Hesketh presents a Sparkling Snack-tacular of small plate delights from the kitchen with their Madeline Alice Sparkling, plus the added bonus of Udder Delights cheese being co-located.   Photo courtesy of Artwine SUNDAY 23rd OCTOBER One of the highlights this Sunday will be at Mount Lofty Ranges Vineyard. The highly acclaimed winery restaurant will be serving its outstanding seasonal menu with an extremely limited release 2013 Late Disgorged Méthode Traditionelle Sparkling. If your looking for a lovely garden, try Cobb's Hill Estate at Oakbank where you can enjoy a gourmet picnic with their delightful sparkling wines. Or for something different, Howard Vineyard presents Blush & Blanc with their Sparkling Blanc de Blancs or Spring-inspired cocktails made with their new "Blush" gin to accompany delicious lunch options. Finally, one close to suburbia is Barrister's Block delectable Sparkling Spring High Tea at The Feathers Hotel at Burnside. Failing that, you can always find Adelaide Hills sparkling wines at your favourite bar or liquor store. Here's five wines tasted recently by Tijana Laginin at Wine Pilot. Photo courtesy of Sidewood For more details visit www.adelaidehillswine.com.au/events/sparkling-spring/  Download Sparkling Spring brochure pdf Get On yer Bike! Here's a novel way to explore the Adelaide Hills - by electric bike!  Based in Uraidla, E-Go Bike Hire are locals so know the Hills like the back of their hands and offer tours or self-guided routes by gravel, bitumen, bike trails or off the beaten track. They've partnered with a number of Adelaide Hills wineries to offer a great service. You can hire their electric assisted pedal bikes for the day and pick up/drop off the bikes from any of these wineries: Blefari, Greenhill,  Tagai, Nepenthe, Shaw + Smith, Hahndorf Hill, Golding, Murdoch Hill, Simon Tolley and Lobethal Road.  A great way to stretch your legs after that decadent lunch. Coming onto the Pinot stage For a long time, Pinot Noir has been one of our best kept secrets. Not any more! Recently at the Australian Pinot Noir Challenge, the Adelaide Hills region was fully recognised for its Pinot Noir prowess with the creation of a regional trophy which until then had only recognised Victorian regions and Tasmania.  The 2022 Best of Region trophy for the Adelaide Hills was won by the Michael Hall Lenswood Pinot Noir 2021.  Michael Hall said the win is a terrific endorsement for the quality of Adelaide Hills pinot noir.  “It was a strong field with so many beautiful wines... It’s very fulfilling for the Adelaide Hills to be invited to the top table of Australian pinot noir.” In other awards news, after talking up the wonders of Grüner Veltiner last month, we are pleased to advise that Hahndorf Hill's desert wine, the Green Angel Grüner Veltliner Late Harvest 2021 was named Best Wine of Show at the Australian Cool Climate Wine Show.  Also, three Adelaide Hills wines won trophies at the 2022 Royal Adelaide Show: Most Outstanding White Wine of Show for Penfolds Bin A Chardonnay 2021 Best Sparkling Wine to Golding Marjorie Sparkling Blanc de Blancs 2016 Best Sauvignon Blanc for Saint & Scholar Graduate Sauvignon Blanc  2022 Park Fest - A No Rules Picnic Park Wine Fest is a Lo-Fi picnic for adults. It's all about chilled vibes, sunshine, and great friends. On the afternoon of Saturday 29th October, Vinteloper founder David will be styling the beats as the live DJ on the lawns of Lot 100 for the launch of the 2022 vintage of Park Wine while Melita and Stephanie pour wines from the Datsun pop up bar. Ticket are for two and include a bottle of Park Wine, Muffaleta gourmet sandwiches and cannoli with lots of extras available. What's on in The Hills Daily 1 - 31 October - Taste the World of Sparkling at The Lane, $70 per person. Book here Daily 1 - 31 October - Effervescence sparkling wine experience at Golding & Croser, $40. Book here Thu 20 October - Gentle Folk Single Vineyard Masterclass at The Edinburgh. $26. Book here Fri 21 - Sun 23 October - Sparkling Spring in the Adelaide Hills Wine Region. Various events. Learn more Sat 22 October - Adelaide Hills Farmers Market, Mount Barker 8.30-12.30pm. Learn more Sun 23 October - Fizzology at Sinclair Gulley Vineyard. Make your own bubbles. 11am-1pm $75. Book here Sat 29 October - Vinteloper's Park Wine Fest at Lot100. $85 for 2 people. Book here Visiting the Adelaide Hills Wine Region?  Use the interactive map or download the pdf  Meet the Producer - Neil from Jericho Wines Neil Jericho with Spark, a two year old Kelpie x Smithfield Jericho wines are made by the Jericho family which is headed by winemaker Neil, and it really is a family business. Even the family dog is an integral part!   According to Andrew (Neil's son and fellow winemaker at Jericho): "With no sheep to round up Spark does the vineyard rounds instead. The highlight of his day is watching rabbits in the bracken scrub and occasionally a kangaroo, but he is very mild mannered, so it is a bit comical watching him pretend he will do anything about them." How did Jericho Wines start?  Neil: My Dad was a grape grower in the River Land so I grew up around grapes, and then moved into winemaking over 45 years ago. Our kids are also in the industry, so the beginnings of Jericho Wines started over Christmas family drinks. We had the winemaking, wine industry skills and history to create our own wine brand, so we went for it. Jericho is a family affair: Sally, Andrew, Kim, Kaye and me who bring a variety of wine knowledge and experience. What's Jericho's winemaking philosophy? Our styles are well thought out and considered, generally minimal winemaking influence. This is perhaps ironic, as we have 65 vintages of winemaking in the family, yet our first aim is to make wines that show no obvious winemaking intervention. For example, old French oak for the reds, a lot of lees contact for the whites, the use of wild yeast. There are plenty of ways to trick up any wine, but our approach is to keep it simple. What is your favourite wine in your portfolio? The 'Fume Blanc' is my favourite with great added complexity of oak and yeast to Sauvignon Blanc. It’s an old style I used to make in the ‘80s, so it's great to see it made in a more elegant way than we used to back then. What is the one place that you would take a visitor to see/experience the Adelaide Hills? Kuitpo. The vineyards and cellar doors in the Kuitpo regions have excellent range wines and experiences. Visiting Jericho Tastings are by appointment at the moment. We are in the process of licencing our vineyard shed, with a plan to do informal tastings from the vineyard. To follow the progress there, probably best to link in with the newsletter or social media.   jerichowines.com.au

NSW Cellar Doors to Open for Wine Tastings

Wineries with Cellar Doors in New South Wales have been given the green light to welcome visitors for wine tastings again from Monday 1 June 2020.

The NSW Wine Industry Association (NSWWIA) welcomes the announcement of the relaxation of the coronavirus restrictions that will see Cellar Doors be able to offer up to 50 guests seated wine tastings, without the necessity to serve with food. Total guest numbers at Cellar Doors will still be limited by the 1 person per 4 square metres regulation and the 1.5 metres social distancing rule.

NSWWIA President Mark Bourne says, "We are delighted with the news and thank the NSW Berejiklian government for their hard work, support and collaboration with industry during these difficult times. The NSW wine industry has faced drought, fires and the pandemic all in a short period of time and we cannot wait to start to make some new, more positive, memories with the wine loving public."

"Of course, it won't be back to normal exactly as there are still restrictions and guidelines in place to make sure we all stay safe. However, we are looking forward to those travelling to our wine regions in June joining us on this journey, as Cellar Doors offer new COVIDsafe models for enjoyable wine tastings and experiences, along with our usual exceptional wines and service."

To assist all NSW Cellar Doors and staff, as well as ensuring consumer confidence, the NSWWIA has created COVIDsafe Guidelines for all its members and also recommend a coronavirus safety training course. These guidelines, which align with the NSW Department of Health Checklist, give a practical set of recommendations for Cellar Doors to demonstrate to guests that their venue is safe and welcoming.

Mark adds, "The Cellar Doors in all of the 16 wine regions of NSW are committed to a successful re-opening, committed to following all the best safety practices and most importantly committed to exceeding visitors expectations by offering the very best wines and regional experiences available."

"We have been delighted to receive so many enquiries about coming to visit a winery with a trip to regional NSW, but I must highlight that we are all living and operating in a changed landscape and so to avoid disappointment, I highly recommend that you book ahead for tastings, lunches, dinners etc. Once booked, please be respectful by arriving on time for your bookings. Most importantly, enjoy the new safe and exciting tastings and wine experiences on offer across NSW."

@nswwine #nswwine #drinklocal #drinknsw

Reset Your Senses with a virtual visit to the Mudgee Region

Hello Mudgee Region Lover,

We hope you're well and safe.

Given the current climate, we invite you to take a virtual visit to the Mudgee Region, snap up some local goodies + wine and start planning your rebound trip, some time in the not too distant future (we hope!).

Stay well + happy. We look forward to welcoming you with open arms on the other side of this

Read the latest #MudgeeRegion bulletin here

Westward a winning whiskey

The Olympics may have been postponed, but the highest-rated American single malt – Westward Whiskey – has still managed to take home gold at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The brand's portfolio of whiskeys was awarded four gold medals, and the collection of honours were awarded to both the flagship whiskey offerings, including Westward American Single Malt and Westward Oregon Stout Cask (which will be released in Australia next month), as well as some of our forthcoming releases.

The accolades from the industry’s most prestigious awards judging event include:

GOLD MEDAL, Westward American Single Malt Whiskey, Oregon, USA [45%]
GOLD MEDAL, Westward Oregon Stout Cask Finish Whiskey, Oregon, USA [45%]
GOLD MEDAL, Westward Rum Cask Finish Whiskey, Oregon, USA [45%]
GOLD MEDAL, Westward Rum Cask Finish Whiskey, Oregon, USA [62.5%]

These awards are a huge feat for the craft distillery that brews and distils entirely in Portland, Oregon. Inspired by the region’s unique culture, climate and natural ingredients, every Westward Whiskey tipple is distinct, rich, brazen and full of flavour.

Across the brand's entire range, each liquid has a unique flavour that is achieved by following Westward’s Minimalist Distilling philosophy. Westward begins by brewing an artisanal American pale ale from scratch, using 100% Northwest two-role pale malted barley, ale yeast, and then fermented at low temperatures for extended periods. The fresh ale is distilled twice in custom low-reflux copper pot stills that are designed to create a robust spirit, and transform the fresh beer into whiskey. Westward Whiskey is then aged to taste in new, charred American oak barrels, where Oregon’s dry, hot summers and cool, wet winters create the ideal environment to raise a world-class whiskey.

Imported and distributed by Think Spirits in Australia, Westward Whiskey is available in leading independent liquor stores, Vintage Cellars, and Dan Murphy's.

For more information, visit www.westwardwhiskey.com.

ABOUT WESTWARD AMERICAN SINGLE MALT WHISKEY       

Founded in 2004 by Christian Krogstad, and later helmed by CEO and Co-Owner Thomas Mooney, Westward is a leader of America’s craft distilling resurgence and the anchor of Portland, Oregon’s famed Distillery Row. Since the opening of its new, expanded distillery in 2015, which increased capacity six-fold, Westward is both the largest distilling operation in the Pacific Northwest and the largest craft distiller on the West Coast. A leader of the rapidly growing American single malt whiskey category, Westward has earned high praise around the world, with Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, a 93-point/Excellent rating at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, a 94-point rating from Wine Enthusiast, and top billing in the Wall Street Journal's list of Singular Single Malts Born in the US

Uncover #NewSouthWales Wine - April 2020

Wineries, brewers and distillers around NSW are steering their cellar doors online. Brothers Ed and Dave Swift from Printhie Wines (above) in Orange are showcasing their delicious cool climate wines in virtual tasting sessions on their Facebook and Instagram channels. Be sure to check out the tasting schedule ahead of time, so you can get your hands on the relevant varietals for the session, which kick off at 4pm every Friday.

Continue exploring the wine regions of NSW by joining winemakers Stuart Horden and Kate Sturgess from Brokenwood Wines in the Hunter Valley, for their tastings every Wednesday from 6pm.

Alternatively, if you’re all wine’d out, the team at Stone & Wood are delivering freshly brewed craft beers to your doorstep in selected areas and encourage you to join them to a ‘cyber cheers’, with after-work beers every day at 4pm on their Instagram.

Annie Fume Blanc Virtual Tasting at Chrry Tree Hill [video]

Fume Blanc 'Annie'
2018 Fumé Blanc
Southern Highlands, NSW

Fermented in French oak for 13 months, this Fume is full mouth feel yet has delicate fruit.




Buy this wine

This Mother's Day, step away from the macaroni and get your mum something she really wants. We have some great deals this week including a Girls Night In 6-Pack which we can deliver in time for mum to enjoy on her special day.

Includes the Annie Fume Blanc

Outstanding Wine Experience On Offer At Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa

A stay at Central Otago’s newest luxury lodge would not be complete without an outstanding wine experience.

And that’s exactly what’s on offer at Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa, nestled among the vines in the region’s founding winery.

As Central Otago’s pioneering winery, Gibbston Valley has a deep history of winery excellence and land guardianship, reinforced in recent years with its standing as a BioGro certified organic vineyard, and BioGro certified organic winery.

Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa, featuring 24 villas, a striking central lodge building and separate spa, opens later this month and offers the ultimate in relaxed luxury, fine wine, culinary excellence and 5-star personal service.

Winemaker Christopher Keys says the Lodge & Spa’s Essential Wine Experience is the perfect opportunity for guests to get up close to what the winery team does.

“At the winery, everything is hand-tendered and made, from vine to fruit to wine,” he says.

“By the time each bottle makes it to the table, there are endless stories encapsulated in every glass. People, place and seasons are captured in our wines, so the Essential Wine Experience is a fantastic way to unravel this, bringing our wines, our people, land and story to life.”

The half-day educational experience, exclusive to Lodge guests, winds through the working core of Gibbston Valley for a behind-the-scenes view of its operation. Sights and smells turn into tastes and chats with winemakers and chefs.

Leaving the sunlight behind to enter New Zealand’s largest wine cave, Christopher says there’s a “sensory change” as guests pass into its depths.

“There’s nothing else like it,” he says. “The atmosphere is peaceful and contemplative - just you and hundreds of barrels of Pinot Noir lining the walls.”

Guests then enjoy an entertaining cinema experience with the showing of Bud to Bottle – a short film of the winegrowing process – in the Lodge’s private wine education theatre.

“It’s a visually spectacular piece that perfectly captures the annual cycle of winemaking,” says Christopher. “Our idea is to satisfy those who are curious about the essence of winemaking.”

The film is followed by a tasting session of Gibbston Valley’s premium and Single Vineyard releases, led by an experienced winemaker.

The experience ends as it should, with food, wine and conversation at the at the Lodge Restaurant. Executive Chef Anthony Gradiska and his team will delight in preparing a convivial lunch featuring seasonal produce from the winery’s organic gardens, expertly paired with wines.

The Lodge Concierge will be available to advise guests on additional customised experiences, such as a guided helicopter trip to understand the ‘ins and outs’ of making Gibbston Valley wines from above. The helicopter experience will stop at all the Winery’s major vineyards, as well as additional spots to catch some spectacular views.

For further information and bookings go to gibbstonvalleylodgeandspa.com.

Real Men Do Drink Rosé

David Ellis

THERE'S something of a revolution underway in the world of wine, with markets from Australia to Europe, Africa to the USA, and just about everywhere in-between, recording phenomenal growth in the sales of pink rosé.

Leading liquor retailers in Australia say they've seen sales of rosés leap more than twenty per cent over the past year, in the US the figure is nearly double that at forty-one per cent for the year, while UK rosé sales doubled last summer over those of 2016… and in France last year makers in Provence alone sold a staggering 176,000,000 bottles of the wine on local and international markets.

And so popular is the pink drink becoming in Australia, especially offered chilled for outdoors partying and dining enjoyment in our warmer Spring and Summer months, that some experts are predicting rosé will actually outsell white wines in this country within the next ten years.

Proving ideal on hot summer's days for being crisp, cool, tart (and even sometimes fruity,) rosé is a wine that can be enjoyed on its own as a refresher, or as "Frosé" – a concoction that's grabbed attention world-wide, and is made by freezing rosé with lemon juice and sugar, creating as some say, a kind of grown-ups' Slush Puppie.

And the most interesting thing in all of this, is that makers and sellers alike say that it is men who are now leading the charge in rosé sales, happily ordering it by the glass at the bar, by the carafe to share as a group, and particularly in America, in magnum size bottles in restaurants and hotels.

And they no longer have any concern about being seen tossing down this one-time "girlie" pink drink, readily letting the world know that these days Real Men Do Drink Rosé

As a food companion, rosé is ideal with everything from antipasto to party finger foods, pate, salami, calamari, and for something more substantial, a prawn curry.

[] IN FRANCE last year makers in Provence (pictured,) sold a mind-blowing 176,000,000 bottles of rosé on local and international markets.

Baker Williams 'Wildcard' - a unique spirit. Mudgee

“You know, some days a bit of luck comes your way – that’s why this one’s called Wildcard” said distiller Nathan Williams. Baker Williams Distillery will this week launch their brand new spirit ‘Wildcard’ a mix of both malt spirit and wine spirit.

What started out a bit of an experiment combined with a healthy dose of serendipity has resulted in a unique spirit – malt undertones & brandy sweetness with lovely caramel and vanilla from the virgin Bourbon cask it’s been aging in.

The spirits composition is quite unusual in that it blends two types of spirit – one normally destined for whiskey – malt spirit; and the other usually destined to be brandy. “We’d actually made a bit of a blunder in mixing the two different types of spirit – it sat around in a holding vessel for about twelve months at which point I was going to strip this batch to a neutral liqueur base but on a bit of a whim we thought we’d try running it like a whiskey. From the moment we’d finished the distillation, I was convinced it was going down into barrel” said Mr Williams.

The craft distilling industry has embodied a sense of adventure and relative freedom that has allowed craft producers to take different directions with respect to product and the Mudgee based distillers are keen for this to continue.

“Our industry isn’t shackled to pre-existing ideas, or rigid dogma -tradition remains important, but innovation and a desire to explore is evident – it’s a great time to be a distiller as well as a consumer. Importantly it’s not just innovation for innovations sake – we’re searching for new flavours, new processes, new ingredients that enrich and broaden the beverage market”.

A genuine limited release - only 99 cask strength bottles (a whopping 63.5%) are available and 288 at 50% abv– each bottle signed and numbered by the distiller.

KEY FACTS:

Product: Wildcard A unique mix of Barley, Wheat & Rye Malts + wine spirit aged in a Virgin Bourbon Barrel for 18months. (To our knowledge there is nothing else like this in the marketplace). All spirit drawn from a single barrel.

Wildcard is Baker Williams Distillery’s very first aged release and will be followed in quarter 1 calendar 2018 with their first edition Whiskey.

Flavour profile: Unique whiskey/brandy hybrid characters – sweetness from wheat & wine, with underlying malt and rich oak notes.

Variations:

a) Cask Strength 63.5% ABV – 99 Bottles b) 50%ABV - 288 Bottles

Distilled by Baker Williams Distillery, Distiller Nathan Williams on their custom 400 litre pot still and aged on-site.

All bottles are hand crafted - hand bottled, hand waxed, hand labelled, signed and numbered

Target audience: Whiskey; Brandy & Bourbon lovers.

Wildcard is available at the Baker Williams Distillery Cellar Door at 194 Henry Lawson Drive, Mudgee NSW 2850; online at store.bakerwilliams.com.au and at select liquor stores and bars.