Wine
Local Australian Wine Legends
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE WINES YOU LOVE
Whether you’re serious about Shiraz, a Chardonnay connoisseur, a fan of Fiano, or mad for Merlot, there is a host of talented Australian winemakers and dedicated people who work hard to bring you your favourite wines.
In fact, we’re spoilt for choice in Australia, with a multitude of local wine legends kicking goals and making world-class wine right across our abundant wine regions.
Join us as we celebrate the hard work, talent, and innovation of some of our local Australian wine legends in our latest catalogue – 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. They’re all local legends, and we know you’ll love their wines.
SHIRAZ – REBECCA AND LUCY WILLSON, BREMERTON WINES
Above: Local Shiraz Legends Rebecca and Lucy Wilson from Bremerton Wines.
An enduring Aussie favourite, Shiraz is the variety we’re excited to revisit time and time again, and it’s fair to say that our local legends excel at crafting it. You can savour the mouth-watering regional characteristics with wonderful expressions by Bremerton Wines and Metala from Langhorne Creek, Hancock & Hancock and Robert Oatley from McLaren Vale, and the Hunter Valley’s Keith Tulloch Wines and Tallevera Grove.
To succeed in the wine industry is similar to any industry – work hard and dream big!
Rebecca and Lucy Willson are the driving force behind family-owned Bremerton Wines. With a focus on high quality and individualistic wines, the Winemaker and General Manager duo have been pivotal in Bremerton growing into one of the best-known wine brands from South Australia’s Langhorne Creek region. Becoming the first sisters in Australia to own and run a winery, and excelling at it, is an achievement worth celebrating.
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CABERNET SAUVIGNON – MAGAREY LANE
Above: Ben Wurst, Winemaker at Local Cabernet Legend, Magarey Lane.
Coonawarra and the Barossa Valley, two of Australia’s most celebrated regions, can each deliver powerful Cabernet and Cabernet Merlot expressions that ooze character and charm. From Barossa Valley’s Z Wine, Hentley Farm and Schild Estate, to flavoursome drops from Coonawarra’s Brand’s Laira, Magarey Lane and Katnook Estate, you’re guaranteed to be entertained by their local legends.
Celebrating classic varieties and regional heroes, Magarey Lane produces an exclusive range of premium red wines using fruit sourced from old, low-yielding vines in Coonawarra and the greater Limestone Coast. Planted in 1989, the Magarey Lane vineyard has supplied grapes to brands like Reschke, demonstrating the premium quality of these vines, and the dedication and hard work of their team.
Shop the Cabernet
PINOT NOIR – TOMICH WINES
Above: CEO and Winemaker Randal Tomich of Local Pinot Noir Legend, Tomich Wines.
The fame of cool climate Australian Pinot Noir is testament to the passion of the producers crafting it. From Adelaide Hills drops by Chain of Ponds, Peter Lehmann and a Gold medal-winning Tomich to Victorian standouts from Santolin, Endless and Robert Oatley, they all produce Pinot Noir to be proud of.
Born on a vineyard, patriarch John Tomich learnt the skills required for premium grape growing first-hand. The family-run business, Tomich Wines, owns a premium site in the Adelaide Hills where they are dedicated to sustainable practices. John’s son Randal has also made significant contributions to the business, having invented new technology which has been exported to regions abroad. Their wines consistently achieve high scores from our Tasting Panel – Pinot Noir particularly so.
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CHARDONNAY – ROCHFORD WINES
Above: Kaspar Hermann, Chief Winemaker at Local Chardonnay Legend, Rochford Wines.
When it comes to impressive Chardonnay, Australia’s local legends are at the top of the podium with expressions that exude sophistication. You can experience their distinct and delicious characters with classy Adelaide Hills examples by Bleasdale, Corduroy and Lambrook, and elegant Yarra Valley drops by Helen & Joey, Rochford and Zilzie.
A Yarra Valley regional icon, Rochford Wines specialise in premium, cool climate wines including hero-region varieties Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Owning a number of very high-quality vineyards in the area, they’re truly invested in the region, and have also established themselves as a multifaceted tourist destination. In addition to the winery and cellar door, Rochford also feature a restaurant and an expansive natural amphitheatre, which is used as a popular concert venue.
Shop the Chardonnay
SAUVIGNON BLANC – THE LANE VINEYARD
Above: Jared Stringer, CEO and vigneron at Local Sauvignon Blanc Legend, The Lane Vineyard.
With local legends like this, there’s no need to search beyond our shores for quality Sauvignon Blanc – we’ve got plenty to get excited about here at home! Enjoy fresh, vibrant expressions from Adelaide Hills, the Limestone Coast, and Margaret River, from local legends including Robert Oatley, The Lane, Toorak Estate, and more.
Established in 1993, Adelaide Hills local legends The Lane Vineyard is an elite wine tourism attraction with an outstanding cellar door, restaurant and endless views of the hills. They are well-known as the producers of some of the finest wines in the region, including esoteric varieties such as Gamay and Arneis, and their Sauvignon Blanc is arguably one of the best in the region.
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RIESLING – ROBERT OATLEY
Above: Larry Cherubino, Director of Winemaking at Local Riesling Legend, Robert Oatley Vineyards.
Clare Valley, Great Southern, and Eden Valley are renowned for the noble variety, Riesling, and award-winning expressions from producers like Robert Oatley, Sevenhill, and West Cape Howe is further proof of local legends setting the bar high. Be impressed with their incredible qualities.
Founded as a family winery in 2006 by the late Bob Oatley AO BEM, Robert Oatley Vineyards started with a search for the best soils in Australia to grow premium grapes. Establishing a footprint in Great Southern is a testament to that search and commitment, and it is now recognised by many as Australia’s latest high-quality Riesling region.
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PINOT G – WICKS ESTATE
Above: Local Pinot G Legends Simon Wicks, Adam Carnaby, Ben Kendrick and Tim Wicks of Wicks Estate.
Jump onboard the Pinot G train and partake in the popularity of this refreshing drop. The King Valley and Adelaide Hills produce a magnificent array of local wine legends including Haselgrove, Symphonia, Wicks Estate, and more. Fill your glass with the Pinot G flavours you favour.
Wicks Estate was founded in 1999, but the family-owned business has a long history of agriculture in the Adelaide Hills, having operated orchard and nursery businesses. Their 54-hectare property includes premium vineyard sites which produce premium cool climate wines. A true family affair, the multi-generational business involves partners and the younger generation who are now taking up the reins. Wicks Estate are Adelaide Hills local legends!
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YOUNG GUNS – WILL GILBERT, GILBERT FAMILY WINES
Above: Young Gun Local Legend Will Gilbert and his father Simon.
When it comes to Australia’s vinous local legends, the talent and work ethic they possess is continually getting passed onto new generations. So, it should come as no surprise that there’s an eternal stream of young guns and exciting new labels on the rise across our regions. Emerging superstars like Three Elms, Will Gilbert from Gilbert Family Wines, and Scott Comyns from Rothvale Vineyard are producing exciting wines that you’ll want to try.
With a rich winemaking family history going back to the planting of some of Eden Valley’s first vines, fifth generation winemaker Simon Gilbert established Gilbert Family Wines in the Mudgee wine region in 2004. Now joined by his young gun son Will, who is already amassing accolades, the highly skilled duo is a great winemaking team. Their focus is on cool climate, high altitude wines with Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and Rosé featuring strongly in their portfolio.
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NEW AUSTRALIAN STYLES – LUCY CROSER AND XAVIER BINOT, TERROIR SELECTIONS
Above: New Australian Styles Local Legends Lucy Croser and Xavier Bizot of Terroir Selections.
With an eye for the latest trends, a deep knowledge of their own terroir and climate, and a flair for innovation, local legends are producing alternative styles that excite. Explore aromatic whites like the Trophy and Gold medal-winning Patritti Vermentino, Gold medal-winning Fiano and Chenin Blanc, slurpable Verdelho and juicy Grüner Veltliner, plus deliciously food-friendly reds including the Trophy and Gold medal-winning Heartland Sposa e Sposa Lagrein Dolcetto, supple Sangiovese, fresh and youthful Nebbiolo, a charming Terre à Terre red blend, and more.
Terroir Selections was established in 2006 by husband-and-wife team Xavier Bizot, part of the Bollinger Champagne family, and Lucy Croser, the daughter of legendary Australian winemaker Brian Croser. Their vision is to bring exceptional producers of terroir-led wine to consumers. The business includes their own brand, Terre à Terre Wines, with premium fruit grown at their Crayères Vineyard in Wrattonbully. They’ve helped build and promote this world heritage-listed region’s burgeoning reputation.
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ROSÉ – MONTAGUE ESTATE
Above: Narelle Montague Williams of Rosé Local Legend, Montague Estate.
When it comes to a selecting a wine that’s fantastically food-friendly and deliciously diverse you can’t go past modern Rosé. Sit back, relax, and enjoy mouth-watering modern styles including a vibrant and classy organic Rosé by Tamburlaine, a unique blend by Margaret River’s Montague, and more.
Montague Estate is a new boutique winery with a viticultural history – their vineyard was planted in Margaret River’s beautiful Wilyabrup Valley in 1988. Producing wines of purity, grace, and elegance, they are emerging Margaret River local legends!
Shop the Rosé
TOP SHELF SHIRAZ – SORBY ADAMS
Above: Top Shelf Shiraz Local Legend Simon Sorby Adams.
When the bar has been set so high, as is the case with premium Australian Shiraz, there’s an added pressure to perform…and our local legends certainly deliver, enabling you to savour deluxe, top-shelf expressions like the 3 x Trophy and 5 x Gold medal-winning Brash Road Vineyard Syrah and decadent examples by Sorby Adams, Château Tanunda, Sevenhill, and more.
Simon Sorby Adams runs his family-owned winery in the Barossa Valley with the next generation of the business, his three children. With 43 vintages, over half as Chief Winemaker at Yalumba wines where he created Octavius, he makes wines that convey variety and regionality. Sorby Adams wines are hand-crafted, with a passion for weaving tradition with drinkability.
Shop the Top Shelf Shiraz
TOP SHELF PINOT NOIR – ASHTON HILLS
Above: Winemaker Liam Van Pelt of Top Shelf Pinot Noir Local Legend Ashton Hills.
Local producers pour their heart and soul into the pursuit of perfecting the idiosyncrasies of Pinot Noir, and their hard work and talent is rewarded with stunningly beautiful results. Savour their perfumed, polished and expertly made expressions from local legends including Ashton Hills, Geoff Hardy, Terra Felix, Wicks Estate, and more.
Located in the Piccadilly Valley sub-region of the Adelaide Hills, Ashton Hills was founded by Stephen George in 1982, who recognised the area’s potential for premium grape growing. As pioneers of Pinot Noir in the region, they’ve built a strong reputation as premium producers of the variety, along with cool climate whites, and have been key players in putting Adelaide Hills on the map.
Shop the Top Shelf Pinot Noir
TOP SHELF CHARDONNAY – WINMARK WINES
Above: Karin Adcock, owner of Top Shelf Chardonnay Local Legend, Winmark Wines.
There’s a reason extra-premium Australian Chardonnay has a stellar reputation. Savour the distinctive qualities of stunning expressions from Arlewood, Chapman Grove, Handpicked, Liv Zak, Three Elms, and Winmark. Elegant, refined, and delicious, this bunch of local legends deserves to be front and centre.
Located in the beautiful Broke Fordwich sub-region of the Hunter Valley, Winmark Wines was established in 2016 on the former Pooles Rock vineyard site. Owner Karin Adcock set about restoring the vineyard and has transformed the property into a premier tourist destination with a cellar door, art gallery and sculpture walk, and multiple accommodation offerings. Winmark Wines are new Hunter Valley local legends!
Shop the Top Shelf Chardonnay
TOP SHELF CABERNET SAUVIGNON – ZEMA ESTATE
Above: Demetrio and Nick Zema of Top Shelf Cabernet Local Legends Zema Estate.
For the serious Cabernet lover and those wanting to indulge in this classic variety, top shelf Cabernet is where it’s at and these local legends are in a class of their own. Experience the Trophy and 5 x Gold medal-winning Brand’s Laira One Seven One Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, a Gold medal-winner by Victory Point, and extra-premium examples by Houghton, Zema Estate, and more.
Zema Estate is a small family-owned and operated winery in Coonawarra that draws on the passions and traditions of the family’s Italian heritage. They have been crafting wine since 1982 with a focus on regional specialties and using traditional techniques including hand-pruning their grapes. The Zema family are trusted in the Coonawarra region and are well-known for their aged Cabernet.
Shop the Top Shelf Cabernet
LUXURY SINGLE VINEYARD SHIRAZ – MR RIGGS
Above: Baxter and Ben Riggs of Luxury Single Vineyard Shiraz Local Legend, Mr Riggs.
The chance to experience ultra-premium single vineyard Shiraz is a unique and memorable experience. Perhaps it’s the extra attention the vines are given, the superb fruit quality, the effects of the terroir, and the ‘hands-off’ winemaking techniques. Treat yourself to celebrated sensations including a 2 x Gold medal winner by Mr Riggs and a Gold medal-winner by Arila Gardens.
Founded in 2001, Mr Riggs is headed by iconic South Australian winemaker Ben Riggs, a local legend of McLaren Vale. With decades of experience at Wirra Wirra under his belt, Ben’s philosophy is to make unpretentious wines that are rich and complex, expressing the essence of the vineyard and the region’s terroir. His son, Baxter, has now joined the business.
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LUXURY SINGLE ESTATE PINOT NOIR – PARINGA ESTATE
Above: Luxury Single Estate Pinot Noir Legend Lindsay McCall of Paringa Estate, and his son Jamie.
There’s something very special about luxury single estate Pinot Noir – a dedication to growing superb fruit on premium sites combined with exceptional winemaking delivers impressive results. Some of Australia’s very best expressions are sourced from leading single estate vineyards in the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, and Tasmania.
It’s no secret that the Paringa Estate vineyard, in the cool climate Mornington Peninsula, is a very special site with a unique microclimate. Considered one of the original pioneers of the region, owner Lindsay McCall began planting the property in 1985 and really helped establish the Mornington Peninsula as a premium wine producing region.
Shop the Single-Vineyard Pinot Noir
FIND THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE WINES YOU LOVE
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 and single estate specialties, top shelf selections, and more. They’re all made by passionate local legends for your drinking pleasure.
Who are your local wine legends? Tag us on Facebook or Instagram @wineselectors to share your iconic drops and remember to #pickaustralianwine.