Australia’s independent wine shops: Educating locals and tourists alike
Post by Chuck Hayward | October 8th, 2010
Wine enthusiasts often seem drawn to browse through wine stores on their travels, as if they were answering a magnet’s pull. They do this partly out of curiosity, as visiting a wine store in another country reveals a bit about their wine culture, and partly for comparative purposes.
Front of Prince Wine Store
Of course, there is the ever-present desire to uncover an amazing bargain or to nab that rare bottle. For me, wine stores represent ground zero in my effort to discern new trends and discover new wineries. So it should come as no surprise that I headed to a few shops on this recent visit.
Melbourne’s Prince Wine Store is at the forefront of showcasing imported wines and promoting new winemaking projects from up-and-coming winemakers in Victoria. This large store has a contemporary look and a very strong selection of Australian wines, as well as imports, including quite a few from California and Oregon.
Emily Laughton at Jasper Hill tasting
The interior is dominated by a large room with glass walls dubbed “The Cube,” where tastings and wine classes are held. In fact, it was a tasting of new releases with Jasper Hill winemakers Ron and Emily Laughton that brought us there. Ron is one of the leaders in Australia’s growing biodynamic movement and producers of cult-level shiraz from Victoria’s Heathcote region. The wines highlighted the intense yet elegant fruit that comes from Ron’s site. (more…)
Michael Kerrigan’s background began as the winemaker at Howard Park but he is now the proud owner of Hay Shed Hill where he can now focus his efforts on a more intimate scale. He has a great understanding of Margaret River’s varying microclimates which allows him to craft multidimensional wines.
Victoria Willcox is one of Margaret River’s legendary winemakers. Passionate and knowledgeable, she throws her considerable energy into her work as well as her post-work activities. She is now in charge of Margaret River’s oldest winery and is “stoked” to be a finalist for Qantas/Gourmet Traveller Winemaker of the Year.
