Casella Family Brands is delighted to announce the appointment of Nigel Westblade as Chief Winemaker for Peter Lehmann Wines. Commencing in mid February 2017, Nigel will assume responsibility for all aspects of wine production across the Peter Lehmann portfolio, whilst being ably assisted by the Winemaking and Viticulture teams. Since graduating from the University of Adelaide with a Graduate Diploma in Oenology, Nigel has garnered exceptional winemaking experience. His career began working for Cape Jaffa Wines in the Limestone Coast region of South Australia.

Casella Family Brands is delighted to announce the appointment of Nigel Westblade as Chief Winemaker for Peter Lehmann Wines. Commencing in mid February 2017, Nigel will assume responsibility for all aspects of wine production across the Peter Lehmann portfolio, whilst being ably assisted by the Winemaking and Viticulture teams. Since graduating from the University of Adelaide with a Graduate Diploma in Oenology, Nigel has garnered exceptional winemaking experience. His career began working for Cape Jaffa Wines in the Limestone Coast region of South Australia.

Ten Adelaide Hills’ wineries will receive up to $25,000 each as part of the State Government’s new $1 million Cellar Door Grants Program. The Cellar Door Grants Program assists wineries to upgrade and diversify their cellar doors. This could include adding an exclusive tasting room, bed and breakfast facility or educational program. As a further boost in funding to the region, the Adelaide Hills Wine Region Association will receive $16,000 in funding under the Regional Wine Industry Association Grants Program.

Ten Adelaide Hills’ wineries will receive up to $25,000 each as part of the State Government’s new $1 million Cellar Door Grants Program. The Cellar Door Grants Program assists wineries to upgrade and diversify their cellar doors. This could include adding an exclusive tasting room, bed and breakfast facility or educational program. As a further boost in funding to the region, the Adelaide Hills Wine Region Association will receive $16,000 in funding under the Regional Wine Industry Association Grants Program.

A long-standing fixture in the industry, McLaren Vale winery, Shottesbrooke Vineyards, is expanding its footprint in the eastern states by today confirming an exciting new partnership with leading family-owned wine distributor, The Wine Company (TWC). Founded over three decades ago, Shottesbrooke is a second-generation wine business boasting an extensive portfolio of wines produced from the premium wine growing regions of McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills, and has tirelessly focused its efforts on producing outstanding wines that are approachable, drinkable and regionally identifiable.

Arriving at Maygar’s Hill Winery and Vineyard in Longwood East, owner/operator and viticulturist Jenny Houghton is nowhere to be seen. After popping into the gorgeous brick cellar door, nestled among 2.43ha of cabernet and shiraz vines, there is still no sign of Ms Houghton. However, wandering up the gravel path toward the winery’s cottage that overlooks the property, Ms Houghton can be seen working vigorously in the garden, tearing out weeds and turning on sprinklers. A formidable woman, Ms Houghton works harder than most to run the boutique winery and bed and breakfast, even pruning her vines each season all on her own.

Yalumba has decided not to pursue an appeal to the Full Bench of the Federal Court after losing a Trade Mark decision late in 2016. Today (January 27) was the final day for an appeal to be lodged. Yalumba lost a Federal Court trademark case it hoped would prevent Jacob’s Creek from using the word ‘signature’ to describe a range of Barossa wines. The case was dismissed on December 14, 2016, but in making the determination Judge Natalie Charlesworth acknowledged Yalumba’s rights in its Trade Mark for “The Signature” and found Trade Mark usage by Pernod Ricard.

Value sales are up by an impressive 40% in mainland Chine, while year on year volume sales are up even further – by 45%. While the UK remains Australia’s number on market by volume sales, it is no longer top for value sales, having been overtaken by China. However, exports to the UK suffered their biggest hit at the bulk end of the market, while premium wine sales enjoyed growth. Australian wine exports to the UK at AU$10/litre and above grew by 25% to $28 million, while exports below $5/litre dipped by 10% to 287 million.

Continuing an expansion that has lasted more than 20 years, U.S. wine shipments grew 2.8 percent in volume last year even as competition increased from cheaper-priced imports, according to industry figures released Wednesday. Revenue from domestic wine sales jumped 4 percent last year as Americans continued to trade up for higher-priced wines, according to data published by BW 166, a Santa Rosa consulting firm. The price for the average bottle of wine sold in the U.S. surpassed $10 for the first time, a reflection of consumers’ willingness to pay more for better wines.

A quick glance around at London’s very well attended Australia Day Tasting on Tuesday (January 24) showed that very few producers were without Italian and Spanish varieties such as Tempranillo, Fiano and Vermentino – one of Austria’s fastest growing grapes. While these Italian and Spanish varieties (along with Prosecco, Durif, Malbec, Montepulciano, Tempranillo among others) make up less than 1% of Oz’s total vineyard area, it is clear that their collective influence continues to far exceed this percentage when it comes to appearances on shelves and Australian wine lists.