The current crisis is affecting everyone in different ways, but our Australian wine industry needs our support! They are anticipating that 30% of all wineries will need to close due to financial hardship this year. After the devastating bushfires earlier this year that completely destroyed vineyards, the current Coronavirus crisis is impacting much needed sales. We may not be able to visit all of the cellar doors at the moment, but we can support our local wineries in other ways – like choosing to drink Aussie wine!
I’ve dedicated this page to helping connect the wineries in need to wine drinkers so we can all drink Aussie wine. Below are wineries that I’ve been told about on Instagram or email that could use our support. To learn more about the winery and perhaps purchase their wines, click the links below. If there’s a winery you know about who would like to be included, simply provide the details in the comments below, or email me at thecheekyvino@gmail.com and I will add them. This list will keep being expanded as I hear more.
Let’s all support our industry and drink Aussie wine!
A.T. Richardson Wines – Grampians, Victoria
A.T. Richardson Wines combines global winemaking experience with a regional flavour to bring a pioneering winemaking approach to the historic cool-climate Grampians. They have a fantastic range of wines with something for everyone – whether you prefer a Pinot Gris or Shiraz, or something different like a Durif.
Right now, ATR Wines has an Isolation Aussie 12 bundle available. This has 12 bottles of wines from across the ATR range which comes with a playlist of 12 Aussie favourites from winemaker Adam’s music collection. If this doesn’t lend itself to drinking wine and dancing in your living room I don’t know what will! You can nab this bundle for a discounted price of $345 with free shipping!
Check out their website here.
Barristers Block – Adelaide Hills
Barristers Block started in 1997 at the family owned Wrattonbully vineyard. They have since grown to include another vineyard in the Adelaide Hills creating pristine, cool climate wines. Their name is a bit of a fun tongue in cheek call out to the start of the winery which included a six-year legal battle to save the vineyard! This winery is family run and was impacted by the bushfires earlier this year.
They have a great selection of wines available for purchase on their website, some of which are on sale at the moment! You can also build your own bundle which is a great way to try their wines and choose the ones you want to be sent. They even have a care package to help out the special someone in your life who might be in self-isolation. Or you could just get it for yourself, because why not?
Find out more here.
Below and Above Wine – Pemberton, South Western Australia
Below and Above Wine pride themselves on old and new world winemaking with a focus on quality of origin, outstanding fruity and varietally correct wines. Their wines are small batch and taken from naturally low yield wines, producing distinctive boutique wines.
Right now you can purchase their premium range of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Merlot from their website. The great thing about these wines is that they are from 2014-2016, meaning some of the ageing has already been done for you! The result? Waiting less time for your delicious vino!
Below and Above Wine is offering free shipping on 12 or more bottles.
Visit their website here.
Bird in Hand Wine – Adelaide Hills
Bird in Hand is a family-owned winery that starting in 1997. They have a focus on cool-climate wine that captures the spirit of South Australia’s Adelaide Hills. Their wines have a global reach and with four tiers of wines for every occasion there is something for everyone! They believe wine is a connector and brings people together which I think is a very nice philosophy to live by!
On their website you can purchase their extensive range of wines. From classics like Riesling and Sparkling Wine to some more unusual Italian reds, there is something for everyone. There are also wines to suit anyone’s budget – whether you are looking for something to drink now or for a special occasion.
Check it out here.
Blue Poles Vineyard – Margaret River
Blue Poles Vineyard is in the Western Australian wine region of Margaret River. They have a focus on producing world class Merlot, Cabernet Franc and blends combining beauty and balance. It was started in 2001 from an empty paddock, and has now become recognised as one of the premier vineyards and wines in Margaret River.
You can purchase Blue Poles Vineyard’s range of wines online, with a few new releases to get your hands on as well as a special release of Viognier from 2010. As well as these new releases they also have a few older wines for purchase so you don’t have to wait to enjoy them!
Find out more here.
Bruno and George Wines – Barossa Valley
Bruce, Christian and Josh are three best mates who started Bruno and George Wines. Between them they have worked across continents and countries over 65 vintages, and brought this knowledge back to the Barossa Valley where they grew up. Their focus is on quality wines and never losing sight of the most important thing – having fun.
At the core of their company is their Foundation Club. This wine club is centred around connecting with members as if they were family friends, and offers so much more than just a discount on wine. There are no fees for membership, and you get 50% off their wines. They have a range of packages to choose from and you can also choose how regularly you want them to arrive on your doorstep.
Through their website you can also purchase their range of wines if you don’t want to sign up to be a member. They have some really interesting varieties as well as some classic Shiraz along with some back vintages available for purchase.
Visit their website here.
Bunn Wine – Great Southern
Bunn’s Vineyard is focused on using biodynamic viticulture to create authentic wines with no preservatives. They produce premium quality Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon fruit. Bunn Wine is unique, individual complex and reflective of the terroir of the Great Southern wine region
You can purchase their wines online with a great range of back vintages meaning you don’t have to wait to enjoy your wine!
Find out more here.
Carpe Diem Vineyards – Margaret River
Gianfranco and Francesca fell in love with Margaret River on a visit in 2000. They moved to Australia from Italy in 2001 and found a site in the Margaret River to bring their dream into a reality. The vineyard was planted in 2003 through to 2005. With a solid background in wine (from the oldest wine school in the world), you know you are in for a treat with these wines!
The wines at Carpe Diem Vineyards have a European influence with a focus on making all wines on site. If you love interesting European varieties, you’ll be able to find it here. They have a great range of varieties, and also have some great wine bundles based on food pairings. Talk about taking the guesswork out of it!
Find out more here.
Clover Hill – Tasmania
Clover Hill is located in Tasmania and produces some incredible Sparkling Wine. It is one of Australia’s very few premium sparkling houses solely producing sparkling wines in the traditional method. Their goal is to produce wines that rival that of Champagne, so you know you are in for a treat! Established in 1986 on the site of an old dairy farm, their debut vintage was in 1991. Since then, Clover Hill has gained a reputation of uncompromising quality and elegant wines.
Clover Hill has also been recognised with numerous awards which include being inducted into the Australian Sparkling Hall of Honour in 2017 and being twice awarded Tasmanian Vineyard of the Year.
Find out more at their website.
Cobb’s Hill Estate – Adelaide Hills
Cobb’s Hill Estate has a rich history dating back to 1854. Today Cobbs Hill Estate is set over 250 acres with over 50 acres of vineyards and some cows too. Back in the day the pastures were used by Cobb & Co horses! Their vineyard produces Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Shiraz all in a cool climate style.
Find out more here.
Collector Wines – Canberra District
Collector Wines was started by Alex McKay in 2005 with a focus on creating elegant, long-lived wines. Their wines are known for their regional expression and varietal definition, and are made using grapes from vineyards are the Canberra District and region.
Along with classic varieties, Collector wines also has plenty of alternate wines using lesser known grapes. You can purchase all their wines on their website, including their Cellar Door specials. We may not be able to get to the cellar door right now, but you can bring the cellar door to your living room!
Visit their website here.
Eddie McDougall Wines – various
Eddie McDougall Wines was established in 2007. Eddie had the vision to produce incredible wines from across some of Australia’s best regions such as Margaret River and the King Valley. Their focus is on producing both classical and alternate wine styles as well as producing award-winning wines.
The great thing about Eddie McDougall Wines is that you can sample great wines from the regions that best produce those varieties. Their range from King Valley focuses on Italian wine varieties such as Sangiovese and Prosecco, while their Margaret River range has Cabernet and Rose. You’ll be sure to find something great to try from this selection!
Check out their website here where you can buy online.
EVOI Wines – Margaret River
EVOI Wines was started in 2007 with two barrels of Chardonnay, and has since gained a reputation for being one of the finest boutique wineries int he region. Their core values are producing wines with regionality and character. This winery is a 5 Red Star Rated Halliday Winery, so you know you’re in for something good!
They have an extensive range of wines available for purchase on their website, whether you are after something premium to keep or something that you can drink and enjoy now at a more affordable price.
Find out more here.
Frogmore Creek Wines – Tasmania
Looking at photos of Frogmore Creek make me really wish I could go and visit because their cellar door looks like where I’d rather be right now! Their wines are produced from grapes sourced off our two cool climate southern Tasmanian vineyards. Their brands include Frogmore Creek, Winemakers Reserve, Single Block series and 42 Degrees South each offering different price points to suit any budget. If you are in the market for some cool climate Pinot, you’ve come to the right place!
Find out more here.
Golding Wines – Adelaide Hills
Golding Wines was awarded the Gourmet Traveller best cellar door experience for 2020. Although we can’t experience this now, we can enjoy their wines at home! Darren and Lucy Golden established Golding Wines with their first vintage in 2002. The fruit was sourced from the family vineyard Darren’s parents had planted, so this truly is a family run vineyard.
Gomersal Wines – Barossa Valley
Gomersal Wines had to close their cellar door due to the government restrictions, but it hasn’t stopped them from delivering the goods to your door! They are offering free shipping Australia-wide on orders over $150. With a great selection of wines and varieties, you are sure to find something you love! Many of them are also quite affordable at $20 a bottle, so you don’t have to think twice about grabbing a couple!
Learn more here.
Helen and Joey Estate – Yarra Valley
Helen and Joey Estate is one winery that is very fun to visit! I definitely have a few too many pictures with their resident unicorn, and they have a great view out over the vineyard. Unfortunately, we can’t visit them at the moment, but we can still enjoy their wines!
Helen and Joey Estate has a focus on producing regionally distinctive wines ranging from everyday deliciousness to prestigious premium and special occasion wines. They currently produce a range of Pinot Gris, Semillion, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
Visit their website here.
The Hidden Sea – Limestone Coast
The Hidden Sea are all about producing no-nonsense wines that are just plain delicious and good for drinking now. These wines are made for sharing with friends and family. They focus on celebrating the Limestone Coast region, which they pay homage to with their whale label.
Visit their website here.
Hugh Hamilton Wines – McLaren Vale
Hugh Hamilton Wines is one of the great wineries we visited while we were in McLaren Vale. I absolutely loved their cellar door, and hope they’ll be open again soon for their incredible wine experiences.
With a wine dynasty of over 180 years, Hugh Hamilton and his daughter Mary Hamilton are part of the 5th and 6th generation. Hugh Hamilton Wines focus on exceptional wines and new experiences. Their range of wines is unique and truly has something for everyone – some classic varieties and some ones you may not have tried before!
Hugh Hamilton Wines are selling some great packs to help you get through this period. If you are interested in becoming part of their Black Sheep wine club, you’ll get more than just great wine. Hugh Hamilton Wines are working hard to bring together their community who are isolated at home. They’ve launched a members only Facebook community for their members where people can connect and ask any questions.
Visit their website here.
Hunter’s Dream Estate – Hunter Valley
Hunter’s Dream Estate is in the Hunter Valley set on one of the original Hunter Valley estates established over half a century ago. Their focus is on enhancing the natural order of things through everything they do, whilst ensuring the historical integrity of their mature vines.
They have three ranges of quality wines to try that suit any budget. The Director’s Reserve range has premium wines that have already had some time to age and offer something a bit special. The Estate range meanwhile has a great selection at a more affordable price point and offers everything from Sparkling Shiraz to Semillon. The Vineyard range also offers a few contemporary style wines. They also have a few packs on offer where you can try a range of their wines.
Find out more here.
Kangarilla Road – McLaren Vale
Kangarilla Road is a family-run winery in McLaren Vale that has been operating since 1997. The commitment of their people helps make their vision for fantastic wine a reality. They also have fantastic emails if you sign up to their mailing list. The latest one I got came with wine deals and a suggested wine tasting map to do at home. So it’s worth signing up!
These guys have a great range of whites and reds with some wine varieties you may not have tried before. What a great excuse to shake up your wine drinking game with some fantastic vino!
Learn more about their wines here.
McHenry Hohnen Vintners – Margaret River
Founded in 2004, this winery is focused on biodynamic farming, minimal intervention winemaking and single vineyard wines. Their focus is on balanced and expressive wines that really capture the changes over time in their vines and the environment around them.
They have a great selection of wines to suit all budgets whether you are after something special or something to enjoy now. They have the classics like Chardonnay, Cab Sav and Sauvignon Blanc, but also some interesting varieties like Zinfandel to try.
Find out more here.
Milton Vineyard – Tasmania
Milton Vineyard started as a sheep farm producing wool in 1826. Thankfully it is now producing some cool climate wines instead! They are located on the Freycinet Coast of Tasmania. Their focus is on producing hand made wines in small quantities and ensuring they pay close attention to every detail in their vineyard and wines. That sort of care is sure to lend itself to some beautiful wines!
They have some great wines available on their website true to the cool climate style of Tasmanian wines.
Find out more here.
Mr Barval – Margaret River
Drawing inspiration from extensive work across three wine regions, the winemaker at Mr Barval is strongly influenced by the regions from which he originated, lived and worked. These personalities, cultures and grapes have all been brought together into his own winery in the Margaret River.
You’ll find a distinct selection of premium quality wines at Mr Barval, all sound absolutely delicious. They also have a few magnums available for purchase which is perfect for all that entertaining you’ll be doing now we can have more people over. That is – if you are willing to share these delicious sounding wines!
Find out more here.
Nashdale Lane Wines – Orange, NSW
Like many great things, Nashdale Lane Wines was a dream that started in Tuscany, Italy all the way back in 1999. The team decided to start their own winery after helping complete a vintage. After many years of touring the world and working in different wine regions, they decided to bring this experience home and develop their own wines. So they started Nashdale Lane Wines in 2016 when they found an established vineyard in Orange.
Nashdale Wines has a great selection of wines available through their website. Whether you are a lover of whites, reds or rose, there is something for everyone. They also have some great value packs for lovers of white, red or both so you can sample a selection of their wines and find your favourite!
Check out their wines here.
Old Inn Road Wine – Mid North Coast, NSW
Old Inn Road wine is has been operating commercially since 2012 from around five kilometres west of the town Bulahdelah on the Mid North Coast of NSW. Owners Dale Bradshaw and Sooze Bosire established the vineyard as their ‘retirement plan’ and for their love of wine. The family all pitches in on vintage and help at farmer’s markets.
Their main varieties are Verdelho, Chambourcin and Dolcetto and all their wines can be purchased through their website.
Visit their website here.
Red Edge Wine – Heathcote
With over 25 years of experience Red Edge Wine know how to do red wine. Their wines are made with minimal intervention, allowing full expression of terroir. Heathcote is located about 100km North of Melbourne with warm and hot summers and cold and wet winters. Their wine maker, Peter Dredge has owned and operated the property since 1994.
The team at Red Edge Wine currently have new cellar releases, and suggest trying the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2010 Mataro.
Visit their website here.
Rothesay Estate – Central Victoria
Rothesay Estate is a winery in Central Victoria. The name Rothesay is a nod to Peter, the winemakers, family and the Phoenix – a symbol of rebirth and renewed life. His vision is to produce great wine that reflects the region. The result? Some seriously cracking drops!
On the Rothesay Estate website you can purchase current vintages but also previous ones. I feel a good year by year wine tasting coming on! Why wait a few years for the wine to age when you can skip it and enjoy it now?
Check out the range here.
Silent Noise from Kangarilla Road – McLaren Vale
Silent Noise is a wine range created by Kevin and Helen’s son Charlie. We’ve had his wines a few times over the year’s and I absolutely love them! I was a bit devastated when we drunk our last bottle of Shiraz from his wine range, but luckily they have put together some great deals so you can try his wines at home!
To order your wines, visit the Kangarilla Road website.
Silverstream Wines – Great Southern
Silverstream Wines is focused on producing quality cool climate, single vineyard wines. The climate is Mediterranean, with wet winters & warm to hot summers. The sea tempers the heat & dryness in summer, conditions well suited to premium wine growing. The grapes are sourced from the well drained north facing undulating hillsides.
They have a great range of wines available for purchase, including some discounted packs if you want to make sure you don’t run out! They also have a winemakers favourite pack if you want to try a great range of their wines.
Find out more here.
Swan Valley Wines – Swan Valley
Swan Valley Wines is a small family owned vineyard and winery. Their focus is on sourcing the highest quality, old-vine material available. They also collaborate with other makers and growers who share their ethos to produce great wines. They have committed to producing zero addition, natural wines representing the best of their terroir.
You can purchase their range of natural wines online with some classics and some new varieties to try suiting everyone’s tastes. Whether you’re after a pet-nat or a Tempranillo, you’ll find some great wines from Swan Valley Wines.
Find out more here.
Taltarni Vineyards – Pyernees, Victoria
Established in 1969, Taltarni Vineyards is one of the pioneering wineries of Victoria’s Pyrenees wine region. Owner John Goelet, was looking for a sit comparable to the great vineyards of Bordeaux, and found Taltarni Vineyard. Initial plantings were of Bordeaux varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. However they have since expanded to Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. They make killer sparkling wines and also have a great range of still wines. They also focus on environmentally friendly practices to ensure grape quality and sustainability of the environment.
I originally discovered Taltarni at the Good Food and Wine show in Brisbane many years ago, and have been enjoying their wines for years. Recently I had the pleasure of trying their range of Sparkling Wines and I can tell you they are absolutely delicious!
You can purchase their wide range of wines from their website. If you are in the market for something special (perhaps celebrating a quarantine birthday?) check out their flagship wine The Patron. The Patron is the new hero of the Taltarni range, representing the epitome of the estate’s quality in terms of both vineyard and winemaking. With limited quantities in stock, you’d be smart to snap this up quickly!
Find out more at their website.
Unico Zelo – Riverland
If you’re after funky wines and great labels, check out Unico Zelo. They have a great range of incredibly unique and drinkable wines. Brendan and Laura are passionate about showcasing the incredible Australian soil and produce in their products, with an aim to share this on a global scale.
Find their website here.
Vineyard Road Cellar Door – South Australia
Vineyard Road produces wines from 20 different vineyards across South Australia and Victoria. Because of this each wine is unique to its region, soil and climate, offering a great diversity in their wines. They would normally sell most of their wines out of their cellar doors, but also offer online sales.
At the moment they are offering free domestic shipping on their orders, and have something to suit everyone! Along with their range of wines, they also have some great chocolate and wine packs with six wines and six chocolates. Sounds like a winning quarantine combo to me!
Find their website here.
Vino Intrepido – varied locations
James Scarcebrook is focused on furthering understanding and appreciation for Italian wine and Italian grape varieties in Australia. He selects fruits from great regions around Australia to produce a great range of Italian wines across whites, reds and Rosé. He makes delicious, approachable and surprising wines across his range. Unfortunately, James was made redundant from his job amidst the COVID-19 crisis, and so he could really use our support in the form of drinking his delicious wines!
I’ve had a couple of the wines from his range now and all of them have been absolutely delicious, truly reflecting the care that he puts into every bottle. You can find all of them on his website now (and read my reviews of his Sangiovese and Rose).
Find his wines here.
Vinteloper – Adelaide Hills
On Saturday 21st December 21 bushfires tore through 95% of the Vinteloper vineyard and their farm house. They thought they wouldn’t recover, but the support of the community meant they were able to rebuild. Their ethos is fun on the outside, serious in the bottle and it shines through in everything they do.
They have a great selection of wines on their website which you can order as many as you want of. If you only want one bottle they will still ship it to you – so it’s nice a flexible. They also have some wine subscriptions that you can purchase for 6 or 12 bottles. You choose the frequency of the delivery and the wines – how good is that?
They have a great selection on their website including some museum releases so you don’t have to put them away before enjoying them! If you’re looking for something different look no further.
Find out more here.
Yering Farm – Yarra Valley
Yering Farm Wines is a small family run & operated winery in the heart of the Yarra Valley. Their emphasis is on quality and taste, with only 6000 cases being produced annually. Owner and winemaker Alan Johns has been running Yering Farm for over 30 years with just a handful of employees, handcrafting limited release, high quality wines. Alan grows all of his own grapes in a 30 acre estate vineyard and produces his own stunning wines onsite as well. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are their specialities, but they also produce Shiraz, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc.
Amidst the COVID19 pandemic, Yering Farm has been forced to close its cellar door which was open 7 days to the public and tour companies. They rely heavily on tourism as well as wholesale orders for our business, both of which are now non-existent. Now, online sales are the only way they are staying afloat.
Visit the website here.