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Celebrating all the australian wines that are joining wine selectors in the 50s club milestone
Wine

In The 50's Club

At Wine Selectors, we’re excited to celebrate our 50th anniversary and are immensely proud of the strong, lasting relationships we’ve cultivated with over 500 wineries across Australia.

In this special edition, we’re catching up with some of our closest friends as we proudly join their ‘50 Years Club’ and reflect on the incredible journey together.

 

ALKOOMI WINES

Alkoomi Wines

In conversation with: Sandy Hallet, Owner and Director, Alkoomi Wines
Established: 1946

Featured wine: Alkoomi Grazing Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2024

 

Q. How did turning 50 years-old feel, and what does it mean to you/your business?

A. It's quite incredible to think about those first vines my parents planted in 1971. From just one hectare each of Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Shiraz, and Malbec, we've grown into something that we could never have imagined together. Our first vintage in 1976 really marked the beginning of Alkoomi as a winery, and watching it flourish over the decades has been extraordinary. What means the most is seeing how their leap of faith has created a winery and a tradition of bringing people together over good wine.

Q. From your business/brand point of view, what are you most proud of?

A. I'm most proud of how we've stayed true to our family values while evolving with each generation. From my parents' pioneering spirit to now working alongside my daughter Laura and her husband Tim, we've maintained that connection to the land and commitment to crafting authentic wines that reflect our special corner of Frankland River. I'm also incredibly proud of our team – they're like family to us, and their dedication to Alkoomi shows in every bottle we produce.

Q. What is the best advice that someone has given to you over the past 50 years?

A. I was once told, at a challenging time, to "always trust my instincts." This is now something I live by when making tough decisions, not only for the bigger picture of Alkoomi but also at an operational level. It was great advice! 

Q. What's on your bucket list for the next 50 years? 

A. I hope to see Alkoomi continue evolving while staying true to its roots. I'd love to see future generations continue to innovate while maintaining our commitment to the land and our community. We're already seeing this with Laura and Tim bringing fresh perspectives while honouring our traditions.

Q. Looking ahead, what trends do you think will shape the next 50 years of the wine industry? 

A. I believe the future of wine will be about authenticity and sustainability. People increasingly want to know the story behind their wine and its impact on the environment. We're well-positioned for this, as we've always focused on sustainable practices and maintaining a genuine connection to our land and community. We're also seeing an interesting shift in consumption patterns – there's a growing trend towards smaller portions and premium lower-alcohol wines, showing that people are becoming more mindful about how they enjoy wine while still seeking quality experiences.

Q. What is the most interesting fact about your business/wine that people don't know? 

A. We're in the most isolated wine region in Western Australia! This isolation, combined with our unique climate and ironstone soils, creates wines with a distinct character you won't find anywhere else. Also, the name 'Alkoomi' means 'a place we chose' in the local Indigenous language - chosen by my grandmother Netta when they first purchased the property in 1946.

Q. What is the most daring thing your business/brand has ever done? 

A. The most daring decision was my parents' decision to plant those first vines in 1971. Frankland River wasn't known for wine then, so it was brave to look at this sheep and grain farming land and envision a vineyard. That pioneering spirit has stayed with us, whether it's experimenting with new varieties or opening our new Albany cellar door.

 

BLUE PYRENEES

Blue Pyrenees Wines

In conversation with: Simon McShane, National Sales Manager, Blue Pyrenees

Established: 1963

Featured wine: Blue Pyrenees Estate Vintage Brut 2021

Q. How did it feel to turn 50 years-old, and what does it mean to you and your business?

A. We celebrated 50 years back in 2013, we felt it was worth a big celebration, we were then, as are now, very proud of our achievements as a continuously operating premium winery

Q . From your business/brand point of view, what are you most proud of?

A. We have achieved many awards across red, white, and sparkling wines. Back in 2014, we won best Australian sparkling wine in the world champagne and sparkling wine championship with our Midnight Cuvee 2010, which was a thrill. Our red wines have won many trophies at capital city wine shows, which are always very hotly contested.

Q.  What is the best advice that someone has given to you over the past 50 years?

A. Strive strongly to make a better wine every vintage.

 Q.  What’s on your bucket list for the next 50 years?

A. We look forward to every vintage, to trial new wines, and, more importantly, to improving every wine every year.

Q.  Looking ahead, what trends do you think will shape the next 50 years of the wine industry?

A. Quality and value will remain as forever trends and will be at the forefront of everything we do. Varietal trends will come and go however making delicious wines from premium grapes perfectly suited to their region that are interesting, complex and thoroughly enjoyable will always be in vogue

Q.  What is the most interesting fact about your business/wine that people don't know?

A. That we were the first Australian vineyard chosen purely because of its soil and cool climate profile, and that we were the first joint venture between a French and an Australian wine company, in our case with Remy Martin

Q. What is the most daring thing your business/brand has ever done?

A. We opened a city cellar door in Melbourne under our parent company name – Vinesmith, in late 2024. It is a great opportunity to build our brand, in a challenging and competitive environment, in a city brimming with

 

BRIAR RIDGE

Briar Ridge Wines

In conversation with: Patrick Haddock, Sales & Marketing Manager, Briar Ridge
Established: 1972
Featured wine: Briar Ridge Ruby's Merlot Rosé 2024

Q. How did it feel to turn 50 years-old, and what does it mean to you and your business?

A. More than anything, it is a sense of achievement that we are still here and have managed to survive by evolving and adapting.

Q. From your business/brand point of view, what are you most proud of?

A. The wines, obviously, but also the investment of the people who, over the years, have grown, produced, and presented our wines. Our ability to adapt and progress while staying true to our history and heritage commitment. Also, our loyal and valued club members, many of whom have been with us since the beginning.

Q. What is the best advice that someone has given to you over the past 50 years?

A. A personal favourite of mine comes from the original owner, Murray Robson, who once said, “Winemaking is a ‘romantic, impractical dream’. And from our own legend and winemaker, Karl Stockhausen, who said that wine, above all, “is to be enjoyed.”

Q. What’s on your bucket list for the next 50 years?

A. To stay relevant, we must keep innovating and making wines that are true to the region. We plan to build a new tasting room dedicated to the memory of Karl Stockhausen—not just one of the Hunter’s great winemakers but Briar’s General Manager and winemaker, too.

Q. Looking ahead, what trends do you think will shape the next 50 years of the wine industry?

A. Climate change will be our biggest issue, and we are already developing more alternative and heat-resistant varieties that will cope with hotter Summers. The shift in drinking habits involves learning how to engage with a new generation of wine drinkers and how to best appeal beyond the traditional format of Cellar Door tastings.

Q. What is the most interesting fact about your business/wine that people don't know?

A. It is not as glamorous as people may think! There is a lot of hard work behind the scenes.

Q. What is the most daring thing your business/brand has ever done?

A. Once again, the original owner, Murray Robson, employed a bit of marketing daring—he made it clear that there were no single-bottle sales at Cellar Door—only dozens. I can’t imagine many places could do that now! As you approached the cellar door, he even had a sign that stated there were no single-bottle sales (Minimum sale of 1 dozen). Genius. 

 

HOUGHTON WINES

Houghton Wines

In conversation with: Houghton Wines
Established: 1836

Featured wine: Houghton Premium Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Q. How did it feel to turn 50 years old, and what does it mean to you and your business?

A. Turning 50 in 1886 was a monumental milestone for Houghton Wines. By that time, under the visionary leadership of Dr. John Ferguson for 27 years, the winery had already established itself as a pioneering force in Western Australia’s wine industry. It marked a turning point where Houghton, already intertwined with the region’s rich history, cemented its legacy in the Australian wine world. From capturing the spirit of adventure with the story of a famous bushranger in our cellar, to creating wines that reflect the essence of the land, it felt like a celebration of our history and a nod to future generations. That 50-year milestone was about honouring tradition while embracing innovation—a core value for Houghton Wines that has carried us forward.

Q. From your business/brand point of view, what are you most proud of?

A. We are incredibly proud of our commitment to quality and consistency in crafting exceptional wines. For over 180 years, Houghton Wines has remained dedicated to producing wines that reflect the region's unique terroir, making a significant impact on the Australian wine scene. Our legacy of blending innovation with tradition, like the creation of our iconic Houghton White Burgundy in the 1930s, showcases our leadership in the industry. However, we’re most proud of how we’ve become a symbol of Australian wine culture, deeply intertwined with the land and the people who cultivate it.

Q. What is the best advice that someone has given to you over the past 50 years?

A. The best advice we've received is simple yet powerful: "Stay true to your roots but never stop evolving." At Houghton, we’ve always respected the land and its traditions, but we’ve learned that to stay relevant and continue to grow, we must innovate and adapt to new trends. Balancing respect for our heritage while being open to new technologies and methods has been key to our success.

Q.  What’s on your bucket list for the next 50 years?

A. In the next 50 years, we aspire to continue shaping the future of West Australian and Australian wine by embracing innovation while remaining true to traditional winemaking principles. With this, we want to continue to make stunning Icon wines and beautiful wines at every price point.

Q. Looking ahead, what trends do you think will shape the next 50 years of the wine industry?

A. Sustainability will undoubtedly be one of the defining trends for the wine industry in the next 50 years. As climate change affects grape-growing regions, we’ll see more environmentally conscious practices, from organic and biodynamic viticulture to water usage and energy efficiency innovations. We’re also seeing a rise in wine consumers seeking authentic, small-batch, and region-specific wines, which will push wineries to embrace their local identities even more. Additionally, wine technology and artificial intelligence advances will transform everything from wine production to marketing, allowing wineries to better connect with consumers and enhance their wines' quality.

Q. What is the most interesting fact about your business/wine that people don't know?

A. Houghton is the third oldest wine brand in Australia.

Q. What is the most daring thing your business/brand has ever done?

A.  One of the most daring things we’ve done was the investment in state-of-the-art equipment in 2001 in the Nannup winery. This was daring as we aimed to modernise our production methods while still respecting traditional winemaking principles. We invested heavily in state-of-the-art winemaking equipment and technology.

 

KNAPPSTEIN WINES

Knappstein Wines

In conversation with: Knappstein Wines
Established: 1974

Featured wine: Knappstein Riesling 2024

Q. How did it feel to turn 50 years old, and what does it mean to you / your business?

A. Celebrating Knappstein Wines’ 50th anniversary was an incredible milestone, reflecting decades of dedication, craftsmanship, and connection to the Clare Valley community. Honouring this legacy while steering the business into an exciting future is deeply rewarding. For us as a team, it’s a time to celebrate our heritage, thank our loyal customers and partners, and reaffirm our commitment to producing exceptional wines that stand the test of time. This anniversary is about looking back and building on our success for the next 50 years.

Q. From your business/brand point of view, what are you most proud of?

A. As a team we are most proud of our commitment to crafting exceptional wines that celebrate the unique terroir of the Clare Valley. From our renowned Rieslings to our recent releases like the 1878 Transcendence wines and Insider range, we take pride in blending tradition with innovation. Our team's passion and dedication ensure every bottle reflects the quality and character that Knappstein is known for.

Q. What is the best advice that someone has given to you over the past 50 years?

A. One of the best pieces of advice was always to stay true to our Clare Valley roots while also keeping watch of a constantly shifting winery landscape.

Q. Looking ahead, what trends do you think will shape the next 50 years of the wine industry?

A. Firstly, 50 years is a very long time! They will possibly be shaped by trends in sustainability, innovation, and evolving consumer preferences. Climate change will no doubt continue to drive adaptations in vineyard management and varietal choices, with a focus on water efficiency and resilience. Technological advancements will continue to help optimise production.

Q. What is the most interesting fact about your business/wine that people don't know?

A. One of the most intriguing facts about Knappstein is that it operates from a historic 19th-century building in Clare, which was originally built to house a brewery. Built by the daughter of the founding father of Clare, our new icon range of wines was dedicated to her and the building that she helped to construct back in 1878.

Q. What is the most daring thing your business/brand has ever done?

A. One of the more daring ventures Knappstein Wines has undertaken in more recent years was the release of our first 1878 Transcendence wines, bold and innovative wines that marked a new chapter in our story. These groundbreaking releases showcased their willingness to push boundaries and create something truly distinctive, reflecting both their heritage and commitment to exceptional winemaking.

 

MOUNTADAM WINES

Mount Adam Wines

In conversation with: Caitlin Brown, Winemaker, Mountadam Wines

Established: 1972

Featured wine: Mountadam Vineyards Five Fifty Chardonnay 2022

Q. How did it feel turning 50 years old, and what does it mean to you / your business?

A. It’s an incredible feeling of accomplishment for Mountadam to be turning 50. We feel very lucky to be its custodians when it turns 50. We can look back on the estate's rich history and use this to form ideas of what we hope will be Mountadam for the next 50 years. 

Q. From your business/brand point of view, what are you most proud of?

A. As a family business we are most proud of acquiring the Western High Eden vineyard from Treasury in 2015 and the Mountadam farm in 2007. This has reunited the original Mountadam site, thus, reuniting Mountadam’s iconic past.   

Q. What is the best advice that someone has given to you over the past 50 years?

A. Put simply, work hard. It is not lost on our family how lucky we are to have such an extraordinary site, and we have worked hard to keep this intact. Mountadam is 50 years old, and we have had Mountadam in our family for almost 20 years in which each family member has poured their heart and soul into at some point in time.

Q. What’s on your bucket list for the next 50 years?

A. Our ambition is to remain family-owned and, by doing so, develop the sustainability of the Estate for generations to come, for not only Mountadam but our beautiful region. So many parameters within our industry change and evolve, so it’s important to adapt and develop with them. 

Q. Looking ahead, what trends do you think will shape the next 50 years of the wine industry?

A. I think embracing sustainability is particularly important for our industry. Water is an imperative resource that we must adapt to. This may impact the choice of varietals we plant in the future, winemaking methods, regenerative farming techniques, and the implementation of new technologies.  

Q. What is the most interesting fact about your business/wine that people don't know?

A. We have some of the oldest Chardonnay vines in Australia. 

 

MOUNT PLEASANT

Mount Pleasant Wines

In conversation with: Adrian Sparks, Chief Winemaker and General Manager, Mount Pleasant

Established: 1921

Featured wine: Mount Pleasant High Paddock Shiraz 2019 

Q. How did turning 50 years-old feel, and what does it mean to you/ our business?  

A. While I wasn’t around for Mount Pleasant's 50th anniversary, I can only imagine it was an important milestone for any business. It would mean that you have paved your way in the industry, forming a reputable, stable, trusted, and well-known business. 

Q. From your business/ brand point of view, what are you most proud of?   

A. I believe getting through the last five years of changing ownership without any change to the quality of Mount Pleasant wines. I believe we have now found ourselves in better shape as a business and making better wines as a result.

Q. What is the best advice that someone has given to you over the past 50 years?  

A. You have two ears and a mouth; use them in that ratio. Listening is an underrated skill. It involves absorbing knowledge and applying the best of it to your business and life.

Q. What’s on your bucket list for the next 50 years?  

A. To ensure the ongoing stability of Mount Pleasant and the importance of the vineyards, the establishment and the history be told in the greatest possible way.  Through its wine.

Q. Looking ahead, what trends do you think will shape the next 50 years of the wine industry?    

A. I believe people will be drinking less but much better wine, wines of provenance and wines that tell a story.

Q. What is the most interesting fact about your business/wine that people don't know?  

A. When Maurice O’Shea was the winemaker here, he never once turned a profit.  Everything he did here, with the most antiquated equipment and no electricity, was done with passion and a burning desire to make the greatest table wines in Australia.

Q. What is the most daring thing your business/brand has ever done?  

A. I believe halving our vineyard land over the last two years and absolutely backing ourselves on the focus on only our best vineyards has been a monumental decision.  A decision not taken lightly but one that will set us apart from others.

 

PFEIFFER WINES

Pfeiffer Wines

In conversation with: Jen Pfeiffer, Owner and Winemaker, Pfeiffer Wines

Established: 1895

Featured wine: Pfeiffer Carlyle Pinot Grigio 2024

Q. From your business / brand point of view, what are you most proud of?

A. We are proud to be part of the historic Rutherglen Wine Region, which produces what are regarded as some of the best fortified wines in the world.  

Q. What is the best advice that someone has given to you over the past 50 years?  

A. Be true to yourself. Trends in the wine industry will come and go, but the producers who really believe in what they do will always make good wine and always be successful.   

Q. What’s on your bucket list for the next 50 years?

A. Try to find that elusive plot of land and plant some of our favourite varieties, with a keen focus on varietals from the Iberian Peninsula. Co-ordinating a Fortified Extravaganza in Porto, bringing together the best producers from around the world in a celebration and exploration of Fortifieds. Continue to aim to make the best wines we possibly can year after year.

Q. Looking ahead, what trends do you think will shape the next 50 years of the wine industry?

A. 50 years is a long time in wine – trends and cycles can repeat quite a lot in that period. However, sustainable wine growing and wine business are critical to our industry's survival and thriving.    

Q. What is the most interesting fact about your business/wine that people don't know?

A. We grow over 18 varieties, including some of the country's oldest plantings of Pinot Noir (1961) and Gamay (1976).

Q. What is the most daring thing your business/brand has ever done?

A. Making a brand-new wine style, Seriously Pink Rose Apera, back in 2008 – a wine designed to be mixed and made into a spritzer. We were well before our time!

 

RESCHKE WINES         

Reschke Wines

In conversation with: Peter Douglas, Winemaker, Reschke Wines

Established: 1906

Featured wine: Reschke R-Series Pinot Noir 2023

Q. How did it feel turning 50 years-old, and what does it mean to you/your business?

A. Celebrating 50 years is a significant milestone that reflects a legacy of dedication and resilience. For a family-owned business like Reschke Wines, it symbolizes the culmination of generations' hard work and a steadfast commitment to quality and tradition.

Q. From your business/brand point of view, what are you most proud of?

A. We are most proud of highlighting the importance of wines grown in Coonawarra and the Limestone Coast region. 

Q. What is the best advice that someone has given to you over the past 50 years?

A. To always maintain a deep respect for the land in Coonawarra and its unique terroir, ensuring sustainable practices that allow the vineyard to express its distinctive allure.

Q. What’s on your bucket list for the next 50 years?

A. Looking ahead, Reschke Wines may aim to further enhance their vineyard practices, explore innovative winemaking techniques, and expand their presence in both domestic and international markets, all while preserving the rich heritage and quality that define their brand.

Q. Looking ahead, what trends do you think will shape the next 50 years of the wine industry?

A. The wine industry is likely to be influenced by trends such as sustainable and organic farming practices, technological advancements in viticulture and winemaking, and a growing consumer interest in unique and region-specific wines.

Q. What is the most interesting fact about your business/wine that people don't know?

A. An intriguing aspect of Reschke Wines is their deep-rooted history in cattle grazing, which is reflected in their bull logo and the names of their premium wines, such as Bos, Vitulus, and Bull Trader.

Q. What is the most daring thing your business/brand has ever done?

A. Reschke Wines made a bold move in 1989 by transitioning from cattle grazing to viticulture, a decision that required significant investment and a shift in expertise. This daring venture has since established them as a reputable name in the wine industry.

 

ST HALLETT

St Hallet Wines

In conversation with: St Hallett

Established: 1944

Featured wine: St Hallett Black Clay Shiraz 2023

Q. How did turning 50 years-old feel, and what does it mean to you and your business?

A. Turning 50 was a moment to reflect on the passion, craftsmanship and mastery that’s carried St Hallett from its humble beginnings to becoming the cornerstone of Barossa Shiraz. This a true testament to our winemaking philosophy: minimum intervention with maximum attention.

Q. From your business/brand point of view, what are you most proud of?

A. Maintaining as close to our roots as possible whilst being able to continually evolve our skills and techniques to ensure we are crafting the best Shiraz the Barossa has to offer.

Q. What is the best advice that someone has given to you over the past 50 years?

A. Staying true to our core and believing in what we produce.

Q.  What’s on your bucket list for the next 50 years?

A. To keep producing unbeatable Barossa Shiraz from all corners of the Barossa.

Q. Looking ahead, what trends do you think will shape the next 50 years of the wine industry?

A. Moderation and climate change.

Q. What is the most interesting fact about your business/wine that people don't know?

A. St Hallett started as a fortified wine brand and pivoted in the 1970s. It further solidified in the 1980s as a table wine brand when the Australian wine industry experienced a boom.

Q. What is the most daring thing your business/brand has ever done?

A. Pivoting from fortified wines to focus on premium Shiraz in the 1980s was a bold move that redefined who we are. It wasn’t the "safe" choice, but it was the right one – and it set the foundation for St Hallett to become a Shiraz powerhouse.

 

SCHILD ESTATE 

Schild Wines

In conversation with: Schild Estate

Established: 1952

Featured wine: Schild Estate Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Q. How did turning 50 years-old feel, and what does it mean to you and your business?

A. Celebrating 50 years was a significant milestone for Schild Estate, reflecting on half a century of dedication to viticulture and winemaking. It underscored the family's commitment to producing quality wines and solidified their legacy in the Barossa Valley.

Q. From your business/brand point of view, what are you most proud of?

A. Schild Estate takes pride in its multi-generational family involvement, with three generations currently working together. This continuity ensures that traditional values are upheld while embracing modern winemaking techniques. 

Q. What is the best advice that someone has given to you over the past 50 years?

A. To be guided by resilience and adaptability, essential traits in the evolving wine industry.

Q.  What’s on your bucket list for the next 50 years?

A. Looking ahead, Schild Estate aims to continue producing exceptional wines, expand their vineyard holdings, and further integrate sustainable practices to preserve the land for future generations.

Q. Looking ahead, what trends do you think will shape the next 50 years of the wine industry?

A. The wine industry is likely to be influenced by trends such as sustainable and organic farming practices, technological advancements in viticulture and winemaking, and a growing consumer interest in unique and region-specific wines.

Q. What is the most interesting fact about your business/wine that people don't know?

A. An intriguing aspect of Schild Estate is their Moorooroo vineyard, planted in 1847, making it one of the oldest in the world. The vineyard's name, 'Moorooroo,' means 'meeting of two waters’, reflecting its location between Jacob’s Creek and the North Para River.

Q. What is the most daring thing your business/brand has ever done?

A. A bold move by Schild Estate was the decision in 1998 to transition from solely growing grapes to producing their own wines under the Schild Estate label. This venture required significant investment and marked a new chapter in their winemaking journey.

 

ULITHORNE

Ulithorne Wines

In conversation with: Ulithorne

Established: 1971
Featured wine: Ulithorne Dona Shiraz 2019

Q. How did it feel turning 50 years-old, and what does it mean to you/your business?

A. Celebrating 50 years is a significant milestone that reflects Ulithorne's enduring commitment to quality and innovation in winemaking. It underscores the dedication and passion that have sustained the brand through decades of evolution in the wine industry.

Q. From your business/brand point of view, what are you most proud of?

A. Ulithorne takes pride in its ability to produce exceptional wines from estate-owned and locally sourced premium grapes in McLaren Vale. This approach showcases their versatility and dedication to crafting wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.

Q. What is the best advice that someone has given to you over the past 50 years?

A. Respect the land and embrace innovation. Balancing tradition with modern techniques often creates distinctive, high-quality wines.

Q. What’s on your bucket list for the next 50 years?

A. Looking ahead, Ulithorne may aim to expand its international presence further, continue exploring diverse wine styles, and invest in sustainable practices to ensure the longevity and health of their vineyards for future generations.

Q. Looking ahead, what trends do you think will shape the next 50 years of the wine industry?

A. The wine industry is likely to be influenced by trends such as sustainable and organic farming practices, technological advancements in viticulture and winemaking, and a growing consumer interest in unique and region-specific wines.

Q. What is the most interesting fact about your business/wine that people don't know?

A. An intriguing aspect of Ulithorne's history is that the original vineyard was planted in 1971 to manage effluent from a proposed piggery. When the piggery was not approved, the Harrisons were left with a 30-acre vineyard, which became the foundation of Ulithorne Wines.

Q. What is the most daring thing your business/brand has ever done?

A. In 2006, Sam and Rose Kentish made the huge decision to sell the Ulithorne vineyard and have a sea change. They bought an old flour mill (known as ‘The Mill’) in Middleton, where Sam returned to his painting, and Rose continued to produce wine from the vineyard in McLaren Vale.


 

Wine
Published on
5 Feb 2025

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