The Grapevine: Wine industry updates from South Australia
In this edition of The Grapevine: McLaren Vale’s Bushing Monarchs are crowned, a major industry figure plots retirement and a watershed moment for Randall Wine Group.
- McLaren Vale Bushing Monarchs crowned
- Long-standing industry figure to retire
- ‘Watershed moment’ as Randall’s Grenache wins big
- Work underway on huge Barossa water tanks
- Barossa drop named best Australian sparkling shiraz
- Positive outlook for table grapes
- New toolkit for wine sector gender equity
McLaren Vale Bushing Monarchs crowned
Thistledown winemaker Giles Cooke and director Patrick Gilhooly have been crowned the McLaren Vale Bushing Monarchs for 2025.
At the 2025 McLaren Vale Wine Show the pair were awarded the title after their 2024 Sands of Time Single Vineyard Blewitt Springs Grenache took out Best Wine in Show.
It was judged by a panel of 16 people, with chair of judges Toby Barlow praising the vineyard selection and reflection of place.
“The most pleasing element of the Best Wine of Show taste-off was the quality and personality across all the trophy winning wines,” he said.
“The Thistledown 2024 Sands of Time Blewitt Springs Grenache has captured that elusive balance of bright aromatic, even long flavours and a tannin framework that really spoke to site and region.
“The Best Wine of Show in the 2025 McLaren Vale Wine Show is a compelling example of Grenache grown in a region that is gaining global recognition for this variety.”
Long-standing industry figure to retire
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Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology executive officer Chris Waters announced his retirement, with a replacement to be appointed in the new year.
The extended transition period would allow Waters to work alongside his incumbent, a statement from ASVO said.
“It has been a privilege to serve the ASVO and the wine industry during my career,” Waters said.
“I look forward to working with the new executive officer to ensure they are set up to succeed and will be able to drive the ASVO and the Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research to new heights.”
‘Watershed moment’ as Randall’s Grenache wins big
The Randall Wine Group – Australia’s largest private luxury vineyard holder – has claimed a “watershed moment in Australian winemaking history” with its Grenache winning best wine trophies at Barossa and McLaren Vale wine shows.
Penny’s Hill Winery (part of the Randall Wine Group) won Best Wine In Show for the 2023 Single Vineyard Grenache at the 2024 McLaren Vale Wine Show, while Seppeltsfield (also part of the Randall Wine Group) won Best Wine In Show at this year’s Barossa Wine Show.
“To be judged and awarded the best wine of McLaren Vale, followed by the best wine of the Barossa is an extremely rewarding result and testament to our precision viticulture and boutique winemaking teams,” Randall Wine Group executive chairman and proprietor Warren Randall said.
“The fact that both winning wines are made from Grenache is a watershed moment in Australian winemaking history. For decades the best wines made in both McLaren Vale and the Barossa have been made from Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon or a blend of these varieties and occasionally an alternate variety has bobbed up and surprised the wine drinking populous.
“But, for Grenache to win the quinella of Australia’s two most important regional wine shows against all-comers in both regions is a poignant moment”.
Work underway on huge Barossa water tanks
Work has commenced on two new 10-megalitre storage tanks at Sandy Creek in a bid to boost water reliability and security for Barossa customers.
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The tanks would increase the capacity of SA Water’s local network and enable a new supply to service growth areas from Craigmore to Roseworthy.
“These are the largest tanks we have built in Greater Adelaide for more than a decade, and at 6.5 metres high and 48 metres wide, collectively store 20 million litres of drinking water,” SA Water general manager for growth Amanda Lewry said.
Barossa drop named best Australian sparkling shiraz
Kies Family Wines won the Gold trophy for Best Sparkling Shiraz at the 2025 Great Australian Shiraz Challenge for its 2023 Cheers to You! Sparkling Shiraz.
The 35-year-old winery got 95 points for its offering, with managing director Tina Kies saying the family was “truly humbled”.
“For 35 years, we’ve been so lucky to have customers who’ve become friends, who have chosen to walk through our doors and support a family business,” she said.
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Positive outlook for table grapes
The 2024/25 season was the second-best for table grapes on record, according to new research.
RaboBank’s research division found Australia produced 230,000 metric tonnes of the fruit in 2024/25 – a 20 per cent increase on the year prior.
The jump in production was because of higher yields and younger vineyards reaching full maturity, RaboResearch analyst Pia Piggot said.
Domestic consumption also increased by 11 per cent in the latest season, while exports hit a five-year high of 148,300 metric tonnes.
New toolkit for wine sector gender equity
An online toolkit helping individuals and wine businesses take steps towards achieving gender equity was launched by Wine Australia and Australian Grape & Wine.
The Australian Wine Industry Gender Equity Toolkit was developed in response to research into gender equity in the sector and covered areas including recruitment, retention, parental leave, training and more.
Wine Australia CEO Dr Martin Cole said the toolkit was an important resource for the industry.
“Gender equity isn’t just about fairness — it’s about unlocking the full potential of our sector’s current and future workforce. Diverse, inclusive wine businesses are stronger, more innovative and better positioned for long-term success,” Dr Cole said.
The Toolkit can be accessed at www.wineaustralia.com/gender-equity-toolkit.
