• Aphelion’s terroirific experiment
• Château Tanunda gets a visit from the PM
• Review of industry regulation welcomed
• Back-to-back wins for Yalumba
• SA wineries dominate ‘hottest brands’ list
• Domestic demand and leadership the focus of Recovery Program

Aphelion’s terroirific experiment

Aphelion winemaker Rob Mack loves an experiment, and his latest has come up with some interesting results.

The family-owned and run McLaren Vale winery has just released a small run of three interesting drops that explore the power of terroir.

Mack asked himself a simple question: Can you taste terroir in McLaren Vale Grenache grown just metres apart?

Mere metres can make a difference on a vineyard, Mack found, with taste informed by the terroir of a particular point on earth: climate, sunshine, rain, geology, soil, nearby vegetation, aspect, elevation, topography and soil-water relations.

Mack made three different Grenache drops grown from blocks at one of the highest elevation points of the Hickinbotham of Clarendon vineyard.

All were picked the same day and made the same way. All were kept in the same kind of seasoned French barrels. But all three taste different.

“The higher block seems to be a little bit more red fruited, maybe slightly more refreshing acidity and a little bit leaner in the body,” he said.

“The bottom block is a little bit richer and a bit denser with slightly more tannin drive to it.

“And the middle block takes a bit from both.  It’s kind of exactly how I thought it was going to be.”

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Just 360 bottles of each wine were made, and they’re only available as a trio.

Learn more here.

Château Tanunda gets a visit from the PM

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently visited Château Tanunda’s Sydney cellar door – which originates from the Barossa – to speak with managing director Michelle Geber about Australian wine exports to China.

The pair also spoke about the reopening of the Chinese market after tariffs and the positive impact it had on the winery.

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“We are so honoured to have the Prime Minister here to visit us at Château Tanunda at our Sydney cellar door here in the Rocks,” Geber told the attending media.

“The resumption of trade in China has meant so much to our business over the last few years with an increase of 1000 per cent of our sales into China.”

Meanwhile, Château Tanunda yesterday released its 2025 collection, coinciding with the winery’s 135th anniversary.

This year’s collection features new vintage releases across its luxury ranges, with 12 wines in total:

• The Everest Shiraz 2021 RRP $410
• 150 Year Old Vines Grenache 2022 RRP $280
• 100 Year Old Vines Shiraz 2021 RRP $180
• 100 Year Old Vines Semillon 2024 RRP $80
• 50 Year Old Vines Shiraz 2022 RRP $80
• 50 Year Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 RRP $80
• Old Vine Shiraz 2023 RRP $50
• Old Vine Cabernet Shiraz 2023 RRP $50
• The Château Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2024 RRP $40
• The Château Single Vineyard Shiraz 2023 RRP $40
• The Château Single Vineyard Grenache 2023 RRP $40
• The Château Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 RRP $40

Review of industry regulation welcomed

Australian Grape & Wine has welcomed Dr Craig Emerson’s Review of Regulatory Options for the Wine and Grape Sector.

The report found there was significant imbalances in the supply chain and recommended the introduction of a mandatory Code of Conduct for winegrape purchases.

Australian Grape & Wine chief executive Lee McLean said the organisation would work through the recommendations in detail.

“This is a substantial report tackling complex issues, and we acknowledge the significant work undertaken by Dr Emerson and his team,” McLean said.

“We recognise the need for change and reform in some areas of our sector and will work constructively with the Australian Government as it considers its response.

“It is essential that the industry has a strong voice in the next phase to ensure any measures brought forward are fit for purpose, deliver real benefits for both grape growers and winemakers, and avoid any unintended consequences.”

The 19th Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference: The Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference, known as AWITC, is heading to Adelaide from July 20 to 23, 2025. Wine Tech Meetup: The French-Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FACCI), alongside SA AgriTech Meetup, is bringing the Wine Tech Meetup to Adelaide on July 22, 2025. The Penfolds Showcase: Penfolds is hosting The Penfolds Showcase experience at its historic Magill Estate on Sunday, August 10, 2025, to celebrate the release of The Penfolds Collection 2025. Gala Dinner – South Australian Premier’s Business and Export Awards: The South Australian Business Chamber and the Government of South Australia are hosting the Gala Dinner for the South Australian Premier’s Business and Export Awards at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Friday, August 29, 2025.

Back-to-back wins for Yalumba

Yalumba has accepted the trophy for Best Grenache at the 2025 Royal Queensland Awards for the second year in a row.

The Yalumba Vat-11 Grenache 2024 took home the gold, with the small-batch wine made in a modern style by winemaker Alexey Doumbouya.

“It’s a privilege for us to receive the Best Grenache in Show award for the second year in a row,” Doumbouya said.

“This wine really captures the beauty and character of Barossa Grenache.

“I knew the 2024 was going to be very special. The Grenache blocks looked outstanding throughout the season. Crop to canopy, berry size and flavour – everything was in balance. We picked at just the right time, and it was smooth sailing from there.”

SA wineries dominate ‘hottest brands’ list

Five South Australian wineries made Drinks Trade‘s ‘Hottest Brands Report’ for the still wine category, based on Neilson IQ data assessing volume growth in litres and in percentage.

In addition, Grant Burge and Banrock Station were included in the publication’s sparkling wine category.

The full list of still wines, including the five SA wines in bold:

1. Lindeman’s
2. Jacob’s Creek
3. Brown Brothers
4. Squealing Pig
5. Wolf Blass
6. Berri Estates
7. Châtea Tanunda
8. McGuigan
9. Kim Crawford
10. Jim Barry

Domestic demand and leadership the focus of Recovery Program

The Australian Wine Recovery Project will focus on increasing domestic demand for South Australian wine and developing leadership in the state’s grape and wine regional communities.

The Program, backed by $2.5 million in government money, has been managed by the South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA).

The first stream of the Program focused on improving the management of vineyard waste.

The second stream will focus on demand for SA wine, while stream three will provide credentials to position the state’s industry as the leading sustainable wine state in Australia.

“Boosting domestic demand is important and this program supports targeted action to grow our presence at home while lifting our sustainability credentials and strengthening governance across the sector,” SA Wine Industry Association CEO Inca Lee said.

“It’s a practical, forward-focused plan that will deliver benefits for the people and places behind South Australian wine.”

The Grapevine is a regular column for InDaily, providing quick news for people interested in, or involved in, the South Australian wine industry and those who love a local drop. Get in touch by emailing us at [email protected]