This Month
‘Worst market in 20 years’. Bordeaux wine producers slash prices
Heavy rain and flagging investor interest have made this year’s so-called en primeur campaign a tough one for the French region’s producers.
Penfolds or a smooth Ningxia red? China’s wine tastes are changing
Australian wine has long been a favourite in China, but an economic downturn along with a government push to “Shop in China” is seeing local vintners step up the competition.
April
Accolade Wines axes dozens of brands after Pernod Ricard merger
The company, now rebranded as Vinarchy, is scrapping labels to focus its investment in higher-profile wines including Hardys, Jacob’s Creek and Campo Viejo.
High-powered Sydney couple find new success importing wines
A lawyer and a project manager paused their careers to champion Europe’s best female wine producers.
Jayne ‘Hard Liquor’ has a big job ahead at drinks empire
Jayne Hrdlicka is jumping from one fix-up job at Virgin to the next at Endeavour, and she’s going to have to put some noses out of joint – again.
The New Zealand wine that’ll change the way you drink pinot noir
As new custodians of an old site, winemaker Wilco Lam and his team are creating something special.
Rum aged on a ship plus other distilled oddities for your drinks cabinet
These bold new riffs on whisky, grappa and rum are the perfect sips for curious connoisseurs.
Is awamori Japan’s most underrated spirit?
Once reserved for royalty, awamori is Okinawa’s ancient island spirit, which is finally getting the attention it deserves.
This cocktail ‘omakase’ is the next best thing to visiting Tokyo
+81 Aizome Bar in Brisbane is an intimate, 10-seater bar serving peach sparkling sake and pink watermelon coladas in surrounds inspired by Japan.
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.
Trump threatens 200pc tariff on champagne
Industry experts warned on Thursday that such steep tariffs would crush trade between Europe and the United States.
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.
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.