It is not necessary for an organic or biodynamic wine grower to be certified in order for them to sell their wines within Australia, or New Zealand. There are many wine growers who do not have certification, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t practice organic, or biodynamic viticulture in their vineyards. From a consumer … Continue reading Integrity from Paddock to Plate
David Paxton ‘was the proper Chemical Ali’ back in the early days of grape growing at Paxton Wines in the McLaren Vale, South Australia. A strict adherent to the chemical calender, Paxton – who originally grew almonds until making the switch to grapes in the 1980’s – wanted to be known as the best. His … Continue reading The Gentle Evolution of Paxton Vineyards
The Hunter Valley is the oldest wine region in Australia. It was the first wine region to be planted, back in the early 19th century, with cuttings brought back from Europe by James Busby, the father of Australian wine. Amongst those cuttings, six were of Syrah taken from the Rhône in France… in Australia we call … Continue reading ‘Let The Grapes Speak’ – Harkham Wines, Hunter Valley NSW
Sorry to keep harping on about Rootstock (2013) – it’s just that it was such a bloody good event! While I was there I was able to sit down with wine journalist and writer, Max Allen to discuss a few things which related to the the event itself: biodynamics versus conventional agriculture and the rise … Continue reading Real Wine Drinkers Are All Punks…
For a Wine Idealist, the last few days have been like living in a dreamscape… almost three consecutive days of total immersion in the world of wine. A world filled with passionate people, exciting energy and incredible imbibing, that all culminated towards one central theme… that real wine is the best wine. The 7th Annual Organic … Continue reading Real Wine is the Best Wine… OWS and Rootstock 2013
I spent Sunday (17th February) wandering around soaking up the energy and positive vibes of the sustainable wine festival, Rootstock, in Sydney… It was a fantastic event, full of passion and enthusiasm, personality and character… and amazing tasting wine! So, before I post my new narrative about the event, and the days leading up to … Continue reading Three Questions for Rootstock…
Almost 12 months ago, in London, there were two ‘rival’ wine fairs held on the same weekend, both singing from the exact same hymn sheet about natural, organic and bio-dynamic wines. Both promoted artisan winegrowers from all over the world, from the unaware stalwarts of Italy and France, who have been practicing sustainable wine making … Continue reading Rootstock Sydney – Australia’s Own Real Wine Fair…
I recently watched a keynote speech ‘On Authenticity in Wine’ (below) by Mike Bennie, freelance wine writer and Wine/Drinks Editor for delicious magazine, speaking at the Pinot 2013 conference in Wellington, New Zealand. It got me thinking… There are no more gatekeepers. Traditional communication mediums have been broken up and divided into millions of different … Continue reading Charlatans and Monks – Authenticity in the Wine World?
Central Otago wine country, a part of the world that bombards you with relentless beauty and stunning vistas. Gigantic, snow specked mountains separate the land from the sky, and surround you from all sides as you drive alongside the glacial blue waters of Lake Dunstan, in towards Cromwell – the suburban hub of Otago wine country. Following the signposts … Continue reading Pioneering Patience – Rudi Bauer & Quartz Reef Wines.
I used to be one of those Australian’s – you know, the one’s that don’t bother with countries that are too close to their own to really care to go and take a look. Much like many Brits that don’t quite appreciate the fact that they’re on Europe’s doorstep and, instead, prefer to come over and visit … Continue reading Mountains/Wine/People – The Beautiful Central Otago…
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