This Month
Melbourne’s ‘urban wine’ scene is older than you think
Though it claims to be the first of its kind, the new CBD wine palace preparing to open in the Victorian capital joins a proud tradition of city-centric winemaking.
One of Australia’s newest vineyards has been 150 years in the making
An epic comeback story has taken root in Geelong, where a collective of winemakers are finally savouring the fruits of their labours.
March
The other white burgundy is stepping out of chardonnay’s shadow
After years of neglect, both at home and abroad, it’s the little-known aligoté’s time to shine, owing to a warming climate and some determined winemakers.
Dark Emu beer with native grains at this destination brewery
A couple has built a farmhouse-style brewery in East Gippsland and intend to make it a destination.
How the Hawke’s Bay wine region weathered its most challenging year
AFR’s wine writer discovers a tale of two vineyards and a remarkable comeback story in the wake of the 2023 Cyclone Gabrielle floods.
New Zealand pops its cork for one of the world’s great wine festivals
All things pinot noir were up for discussion at this three-day celebration of the crowd-pleasing varietal in Christchurch.
Wine pioneer looking for new blood to preserve vineyard tradition
Nicholson River Winery in East Gippsland is renowned for its classic chardonnay – which could become a thing of the past.
February
How AI is making moves on the wine industry
Will artificial intelligence change everything we love about our favourite drop?
Forget sauvignon blanc – 2025 is all about souvignier gris
Welcome to Utopia, where wines are produced from new, resilient grapes that are causing a stir.
How an ancient technique became a hot new wine trend
The use of terracotta and ceramic vessels in the winemaking process is making a comeback – and it’s producing some distinctively earthy drops.
The winemaker you need to know (though she doesn’t care if you don’t)
Former reality show contestant and TV presenter Sierra Reed got obsessed with wine while filming in New Zealand in 2011. She’s been doing it her way ever since.
Max Allen’s pick of wines to woo your Valentine
Champagne is all very well, but true love means giving something that will surprise and delight with its seductive depth and complexity.
January
Barossa winemaker proves busy people can have it all. Well, sort of
With two vineyards, a winery and a two-year-old, “Life’s a bit ... saturated,” says Brett Grock. Still, he’s found the time to put his artwork on his labels.
At $3000 a bottle, grenache is hitting new heights
The renaissance of this red variety is a worldwide phenomenon, including in France where it’s been firmly reappraised.
Harmony in a glass: How this venerable wine estate recognises Country
Connection to culture is crucial to the fifth-generation family custodians of this must-visit Victorian vineyard.
Six winemakers start a shiraz revolution with a tonne of grapes each
Once the king of Australian reds, the variety has lost its gloss in recent years. With the results of a bold experiment in, that could be about to change.
December 2024
Max Allen picks the best wine books to give
One Thousand Vines will change the way the reader thinks about – and enjoys – wine. Plus, three vintages to sip along the way.
Max Allen’s 5 best chardonnays for summer drinking
The grape variety goes super well with seafood, and the quality coming out of Australia is equal to that of much pricier French whites.
Max Allen’s guide to stocking a bar trolley
This selection of nine ingredients – all from Australian makers – will have your cocktail cabinet ready for Christmas action.
A toast to the five best champagnes of 2024
The year may be nearly over, but there’s plenty left to celebrate. Pop a bottle of our drinks editor’s favourite bubbles to do it in style.