Local Legends Faces behind your Favorites

THE FACES BEHIND YOUR FAVOURITES

Whether you’re serious about Shiraz, a Chardonnay connoisseur, a fan of Fiano, or mad for Merlot, there is a host of talented and dedicated people who work hard to bring you your favourite wines.

Join us as we celebrate and salute some of our local Australian wine legends – the bigger producers and the boutique, the ones who have been around for donkey’s years, and those just starting to make a name for themselves. From the vineyard hands, the viticulturists and the winemakers, to the warehouse workers, and the cellar door teams, they’re all local legends and we know you love their wines.

As was once said, “great wine requires a madman to grow the vine, a wise man to watch over it, a lucid poet to make it, and a lover to drink it”.

 

LOCAL LEGENDS CHARDONNAY…KEEPING IT CLASSY

In the field of Australian Chardonnay, the legendary regions of the Hunter Valley and Yarra Valley continue to maintain their much-celebrated status. You can savour the distinct and delicious regional characteristics with wonderful expressions by Eagles Rest, Rothvale Vineyard, and Winmark from the Hunter Valley, and the Yarra Valley’s Helen & Joey, La Lutte and TarraWarra Estate.

A Yarra Valley local legend, Clare Halloran has come a long way from hiding her beaten-up ’89 Nissan Pulsar in the TarraWarra Estate car park as Assistant Winemaker in 1996. She studied her craft at the University of Adelaide and spent time in Burgundy and Oregon, but after over two decades at TarraWarra Estate, she’s General Manager and Chief Winemaker, crafting award-winning Yarra Valley wines. An advocate of minimal intervention winemaking, Clare has been focusing on reducing TarraWarra’s environmental footprint.

She’s led a range of initiatives including installing solar panels, and implementing a system to treat and reuse water. With over 25 years of experience, she is one of the most capable winemakers in the country.

Try Clare’s Chardonnay from TarraWarra Estate, and more, today.

Above: Local Chardonnay Legend Clare Halloran

 

LOCAL LEGENDS SAUVIGNON BLANC…CHAMPION AUSSIE STYLES

There’s no need to look beyond our shores for world-class Sauvignon Blanc – Margaret River and Adelaide Hills have it by the truck load. Thanks to the talents of regional producers like Credaro, Byron & Harold, Woodstock and Small Valley, you can enjoy its fantastic freshness and familiar zippy zest.

Margaret River local legends, the Credaro Family Estate is the oldest family-run winery in south-west WA with cuttings planted by Cesare Credaro in 1922. Cesare’s grandson Robert and his sons Matt, Mike, Chris and Jason now manage and farm 140 hectares of vineyards across five sites using estate-grown fruit to produce wine at their Carbanup winery.

Taste Sauvignon Blanc from Credaro's family-run winery, and more.

Above: Local Sauvignon Blanc Legend Credaro Wines

 

LOCAL LEGENDS PINOT G… GATHER AROUND

When it comes to impressive cool climate Pinot G, Limestone Coast, King Valley, and the Adelaide Hills keep delivering the goods. Regional wineries like Risky Business, Sevenhill, Sam Miranda, Wirrega Vineyard, and Wicks Estate, fill your glass with the Pinot G flavours you favour.

Producers of some great Pinot Gris, Risky Business brings together the vision and decades of experience of grape grower and viticulturist Rob Quenby, and Vintner John Waldron. The pair source fruit from Western Australia (primarily Margaret River) and Victoria’s King Valley, to produce small batches of premium and distinctive wines from each area. Rob and John are local winemaking legends!

Enjoy Rob and John’s Pinot G and more.

Above: Local Pinot G Legends Rob and John

 

LOCAL LEGENDS SHIRAZ… STILL NUMBER ONE

When it comes to Australia’s vinous local legends, Shiraz is number one, with McLaren Vale and Clare Valley claiming more than their fair share of standouts. Chalk Hill, Blackbilly, and Hancock & Hancock from McLaren Vale, along with Erin Eyes, Georges and Kaesler from Clare Valley, all produce stunning expressions which keep their regional flags flying high.

South Australian local legends, the Kaesler family were pioneers who settled in the Barossa Valley in the 1840s and planted their first Shiraz vines in 1893. The Kaesler vineyards were owned and operated by the family up until 1986. In 1999, Reid Bosward, and his partners, seized the opportunity to buy the property and became its third owners. Adding to their growing family, they acquired vineyards in the Clare Valley and McLaren Vale, applying the same winemaking techniques and philosophies as their Barossa Valley wines.  Their generous Stonehorse Shiraz is a tribute to the Clysdale horses that used to work the Kaesler vineyards, and was sourced from vines ranging from 15 to 45 years-old.

Taste Kaesler’s history-rich Stonehorse Shiraz, and more.

Above: Local Shiraz Legend Kaesler's Wines

 

LOCAL LEGENDS PINOT NOIR…PERSONALITY PLUS

Australian Pinot Noir is packed full of personality and so are the people who produce it. From the Yarra Valley’s De Bortoli and Helen & Joey, Adelaide Hills’ Hither & Yon and Small Valley Vineyard to Great Southern’s Wise Wines and Small Valley Vineyard, they all produce Pinot Noir to be proud of.

Local Western Australian legends on the rise, Wise Wines was established in 1992, when Dr Ron Wise and his wife Sandra bought the then Geographe Bay Estate and combined it with their nearby Eagle Bay Estate property. Under the direction of Larry Cherubino, Wise Wines sources small parcels of the high-quality fruit to produce small batch, minimal intervention wines including their 2022 Pinot Noir.

Enjoy Wise Wine Great Southern Pinot Noir, and more.

Above: Local Pinot Noir Legend Wise Wines

 

LOCAL LEGENDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON…CLASSIC CHARACTERS

Coonawarra, McLaren Vale and Margaret River each deliver Cabernets with classic regional characters. From expressions like the intense and ripely fruited 2018 Whistle Post, bold and powerful 2019 Patritti Merchant, to the jubey young-drinker from Yallingup Estate, you’re guaranteed to be entertained by their local legends.  

Adelaide’s Patritti sourced premium fruit from McLaren Vale to craft their 2019 Merchant Cabernet. Founded in 1926 by Giovanni Patritti, it is Adelaide’s only remaining 100% family-owned, fully operational urban winery. It’s located on a suburban street, just 12km from the city centre in Dover Gardens. With respect to their family values and tradition of hard work, the Patritti team produces wines of premium quality and great value.

Discover Cabernet from Patritti, and more.

Above: Local Cabernet Legends Patritti

LOCAL LEGENDS NEW AUSTRALIAN-STYLES…EXCITING ALTERNATIVES

Variety is the spice of life, so add some to yours with Euro-style Aussies. Explore wonderfully aromatic whites like the Gold medal-winning Mitolo Jester Vermentino, and Terra Ricca’s beautiful blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Vermentino and Zibbibo, plus deliciously food-friendly reds including Berrigan Sangiovese, Peter Drayton Tempranillo, Signor Vino Nero d’Avola, and more.

The use of Mediterranean varieties (Nero d’Avola, Montepulciano, Tinta Barroca, Fiano and Vermentino), drought tolerant rootstock, water saving mulches and implementing premium viticultural techniques and technology, means Ricca Terra grows grapes and makes wines with minimal inputs and limits its environmental footprint.

South Australia’s Dan Berigan is another winemaker who loves to try his hand at alternative varieties. The Mount Benson wine region is home to his Berrigan Wines and his wines have a distinct character due to the cool and dry growing season and strong maritime influence. He also produces Euro-style wines from his new vineyard, the Shining Rock Vineyard, in the Adelaide Hills.

Bring some excitement to your cellar with alternatives from Dan Berrigan, the Ricca Terra team and more.

Above: Local New Australian-Styles Legends

 

LOCAL LEGENDS ROSÉ… A STANDING OVATION

It’s applause all round for our adept Australian winemaking legends who have transformed once sweet Rosé styles into now incredibly popular and deliciously dry delights. From The Little Wine Company, Château Tanunda and De Iuliis, to Amadio, Z Wine and Trimboli, wine time is now all about relaxing with Rosé local legends.

Located in the Broke Fordwich region of the Hunter Valley, The Little Wine Company is a boutique winery owned-and-operated by husband-and-wife winemaking team, Ian and Suzanne Little. From diverse winemaking backgrounds, they joined forces in 2000 to explore alternative varieties and have been pioneers of all that is new and innovative ever since.

Try boutique Rosé from The Little Wine Company, and more.

Above: Local Rose Legend The Little Wine Company

 

LOCAL LEGENDS MERLOT… THE RELIABLE RED

When it comes to a red varietal that winemakers can consistently rely on, Merlot is right on the mark. Make good friends with local legends that will keep you coming back for more like the tight, youthful and dry Pertaringa Stage Left Merlot 2021 from McLaren Vale, and the Peos Estate Four Jacks Merlot 2020 from Manjimup that’s a young-drinking style with grapey freshness.

While 6th generation Bec Hardy, and her husband Richard Dolan, have managed Pertaringa since 2011, it was in 2020 that Bec took over the ownership and running of the 40-year-old brand. Established by her father Geoff Hardy in 1980, Pertaringa produces premium Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet, Touriga Nacional and more. The Hardy family and Pertaringa are McLaren Vale local legends!

Discover Pertaringa’s Merlot, and more.

Above: Local Merlot Legend Pertaringa

 

LOCAL LEGENDS SINGLE VINEYARD SHIRAZ … SOURCED FROM ONE SITE

There’s something very special about single vineyard Shiraz – maybe it’s the extra attention the vines are given, the superb fruit quality, the effects of the terroir shining through, and the ‘hands-off’ winemaking techniques. Treat yourself to celebrated sensations from Blue Pyrenees, Byron & Harold, Frankland Estate, St Hallett, Tinklers and Z Wine, that were each expertly crafted to express the characteristics of just one single vineyard. 

Located in the Hunter Valley, Tinklers is a family-owned-and-operated vineyard, winery and cellar door with over 100 years of viticulture and winemaking knowledge passed down through the generations. They produce premium single vineyard wines in small batches which are home-grown, hand-picked and hand-sorted.

Made by the third generation Usher Tinkler, (the first son of each generation is named Usher) and grown by his dad Usher and his uncle, Ian Tinkler, the award-winning wines are highly recognised in the region.  In fact, Ian, who has just completed his 50th vintage was awarded the Hunter Valley Viticulturist of the Year in 2009, and Hunter Valley Living Legend in 2017. The Tinklers are indeed, Hunter Valley local legends!

Try Tinklers’ single vineyard Shiraz and more.

Above: Local Sing Vineyard Shiraz Legend Tinklers

 

LOCAL LEGENDS SINGLE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR…PICK OF THE CROP

One of the beautiful things about Australian Pinot Noir is that our talented winemakers make pristine examples that take considerable time and effort to craft, yet don’t cost the earth. Some of Australia’s very best expressions are sourced from leading small single vineyards in the Yarra Valley, Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu, and Tasmania, and including the Trophy and 3 x Gold medal-winning Riorret Lusatia Park Pinot Noir 2018 by De Bortoli.

When Vittorio De Bortoli left Italy for Australia in 1924, he could not have imagined he would go on to establish a winemaking dynasty. Yarra Valley Estate was established by the De Bortoli’s in 1987 and is under the custodianship of the third and fourth generations.

They acquired some of the oldest plantings in the region and a brilliant piece of land where they make premium cool climate wines. Leanne De Bortoli and winemaker husband, Steve Webber thrived under the challenges it offered them, learning about the seasons, experimenting with varieties and clones, and crafting wines with a real sense of place. The De Bortoli family are Yarra Valley local legends!

Sample Steve Webber’s single vineyard Pinot Noir, and more.

Above: Local Single Vineyard Pinot Noir Legend Steve Webber

 

LOCAL LEGENDS TOP SHELF CABERNET SAUVIGNON…FRONT AND CENTRE

Australian Cabernet Sauvignon commands the world’s attention, and extra-special expressions from Moss Brothers, Patrick, Haselgrove, Aylesbury Estate and Stella Bella, deserve to be front and centre in your cellar.

Created in 1997, Stella Bella are Margaret River Cabernet local legends. The small team who brings their wines to life is led by Chief Winemaker Luke Jolliffe and Viticulturist Steve Martin. Their five vineyards are located throughout southern Margaret River where the cool climate and distinctive regional terroir produce elegant, aromatic and medium bodied wines.

Try Cabernet from the small, but mighty team at Stella Bella, plus excellent expressions from other local legends.  

Above: Local Top Shelf Cabernet Sauvignon Legends Stella Bella

 

LOCAL LEGENDS TOP SHELF CHARDONNAY… THE ORIGINAL CHARMERS

One of the first grape varietals planted in Australia, Chardonnay continues to captivate us, especially when it’s made by boutique local legend wineries including Boydell’s Wines, Eagles Rest, Miceli, Byrne Farm and Kangaroo Island Trading.

Current owners of Boydell’s and passionate lovers of Chardonnay, the Maroulis family are new Hunter Valley local legends. Boydell’s was settled in 1826 by Welshman Charles Boydell and the famously rich Hunter soil was replanted with vines in 1997. Daniel and Jane Maroulis, say they had always dreamt of running a small-scale vineyard, and when the property became available in 2015, they seized the day.  

Experience the premium Chardonnay by Boydell’s and more.

Above: Local Top Shelf Chardonay Legends Boydell's

 

LOCAL LEGENDS TOP SHELF SHIRAZ… THE SERIOUS COLLECTION

For the serious Shiraz lover and those wanting to get serious about Shiraz, top shelf Shiraz is where it’s at. Savour the distinctive qualities of alluring expressions like the Arila Gardens Quartz & Ironstone Gardens Shiraz 2020 and the flagship Hardys Eileen Hardy Shiraz 2016.

Owners of Arila Gardens, the Clay family are new Barossa Valley local legends who have a true love of Shiraz. In 2018, winemaker Adam Clay was excited to discover there was an opportunity to purchase the 20 acres that are now Arila Gardens. He knew it was a brave move, yet how could he not when the vines and neighbouring properties on Moppa Road were synonymous with some of the finest quality grapes in the region?

Try Adam Clay’s top-shelf Shiraz and more.

Above: Local Top Shelf Shiraz Legend Adam Clay

 

LOCAL LEGENDS TOP SHELF PINOT NOIR…PEAK PERFORMER

When it comes to making top-notch Pinot Noir that offers a wealth of exquisite varietal and regional style and splendour wineries like Soumah, Pipers Brook, Warramunda, and cult Pinot producer William Downie have nailed the brief.

William ‘Bill’ Downie is a Gippsland local legend who established his own label in 2003 after several years working in Burgundy. His intention was to produce wines of purity that reflect their place of origin, making them in the most natural way possible, with minimal fining and filtration. He only makes Pinot Noir with fruit from Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Upper Goulburn and Gippsland.

Taste William’s top-shelf Pinot Noir.

Above: Local Top Shelf Pinot Noir Legend William Downie

 

FIND THE FACES BEHIND YOUR FAVOURITES

With the release of this Local Legends Catalogue, now is the perfect time to top up your cellar with your favourites. Treat yourself to premium Aussie varietals, exciting new Australian wine styles, single vineyard specialties, top shelf selections and more. They're all made by passionate local legends for your drinking pleasure.

Who’s are your local legends? Tag us on Facebook or Instagram @wineselectors to share your iconic drops, and remember to #pickaustralianwine.