Booze news: what's been happening this week in the world of wine, beer and spirits

There’s always plenty happening in Australia and New Zealand’s wine, beer and spirits industries. Wineries open up new cellar doors, distillers, brewers and winemakers release limited-edition products, and drinks festivals announce exciting lineups throughout the year. 

Here, we roundup a few of the top things that have happened this week in local wine, beer and spirits spaces. 

Grenache wins Prime Minister’s trophy for the first time in National Wine Show’s 50-year history

Winemaker Renae Hirsch recently accepted the Prime Minister’s Trophy for Champion Wine of Show for Willunga 100’s 2023 McLaren Vale Grenache at the awards ceremony at Australian Parliament House. Willunga 100’s grenache narrowly edged out the winner of the Len Evans Memorial Trophy for White Wine of Show, Deep Woods Estate’s 2023 Reserve Chardonnay, to secure the prize.

National Wine Show Chair of Judges Matt Harrop said the first-time win for a grenache in the only national adjudication of Australian wine reflects a reversal of fortune for a variety that has long played second fiddle to more commonly known grapes.

Over $100,000 worth of Barossa wine was sold at a Sydney auction raising funds for local charity

This Tuesday evening at Crown Sydney, over 200 keen bidders gathered for the 10th anniversary edition of the Barossa Live Auction hosted by LANGTONS – where a staggering $109,020 worth of wine from the famed South Australian wine region was sold under the hammer to help raise funds for The Barossa Australia Well-Being Fund by Foundation Barossa.

Among the highlights was the Sami-Odi Hoffmann Dallwitz Syrah full vertical from 2007 to 2023 which saw a competitive bidding display to sell way above its estimated $3000-$3500 for $10,500. The Henschke Hill of Grace Single Vineyard Shiraz 2018 imperial signed by Stephen and Prue Henschke also went for a whopping $17,500. 

Peter Barry is stepping back from Jim Barry Wines – passing the gauntlet to the next generation

After more than 40 years at the helm of Jim Barry Wines, Peter Barry is stepping down as Managing Director. His sons (and current winemakers), Tom and Sam Barry, who have both been deeply involved in the business for over 15 years, will now step into the role of Co-Managing Directors supported by their sister Olivia.

Peter Barry, who joined the business in 1977 and became Managing Director in 1985, has been the driving force behind Jim Barry Wines’ national and international success. His leadership has seen the business expand vineyard holdings, deepen its export footprint and build a powerful reputation for both quality and innovation.

Marlborough’s Nautilus Estate turns 40

This year marks a significant milestone for Nautilus Estate, one of Marlborough’s early pioneers and still proudly family-owned. Established in 1985, at a time when fewer than 80 wineries operated across New Zealand, Nautilus set out to craft top-notch wines.

Four decades on, Nautilus remains intentionally small and focused, producing 100% Marlborough wines with meticulous attention to detail. Led by long-time winemaker Clive Jones, the winery continues to create site-specific sauvignon blanc, pinot noir from the Clay Hills Vineyard and chardonnay from Renwick.

Applications to become a 2025 Len Evans Scholar are officially open

The Len Evans Tutorial is one of the top wine education programs in the world, dedicated to promoting excellence in the wine industry. This intensive program offers an opportunity for highly motivated individuals to refine their palates, deepen their knowledge, and expand their understanding of the global wine landscape under the guidance of some of Australia's most respected wine professionals.

The Tutorial is designed for those committed to excellence and eager to make significant contributions to the advancement of the Australian wine industry. Those wishing to apply need to get their submissions in before June 30.  

The Healesville Makers Quarter is a new walkable district full of local drinks producers and dining destinations

More than a dozen Yarra Valley wineries will be pouring wines at Welcome to Thornbury’s Winter Twilight Market

On Friday June 27, Welcome to Thornbury will be hosting teams from Helen & Joey’s Estate, TarraWarra Estate, Yarra Yering, Santolin WInes, Innocent Bystander and many more during a night of winter wine tastings. The $40 tickets get guests access to unlimited tastings, tasting glass and a long lineup of snacks.

This is a part of the Yarra Valley’s huge Fireside Festival – a 14-day celebration full of culinary experiences that  highlight the very best of the region’s food, wine, and hospitality.

TWE has launched a $15 million no and low alcohol production facility

TWE recently launched its new no and low alcohol production facility at its Barossa Valley site – costing them $15 million. The team will initially focus on no and low wines under the Squealing Pig and Pepperjack labels, while also launching the new brand Sorbet. 

The site features exciting world-first, which is said to include a gentler way of removing alcohol in a single pass while capturing the wine’s ‘essence’ for re-introduction later.

Applications for the Tranche Scholarship 2025 open July 1

Created by Michael Hill-Smith MW and his family, The Tranche Scholarship helps emerging individuals in Australia’s wine and hospitality industry develop their professional careers by supporting international and domestic travel opportunities. And it has almost opened up applications for its latest 2025 class. 

Winners of the scholarship get approximately $15,000 to spend on their learnings, plus The Tranche Directors and Advisors will assist scholars, where possible, in securing appointments, visits and meetings during their travel. If you’re keen on being involved, be sure to submit your application from July 1.

Medhurst Wines is hosting two massive feasts filled with wine and fire-cooked eats this July

On July 5 and 6, Medhurst Wines in the Yarra Valley is celebrating the humble goat with a Saturday dinner and Sunday lunch. The goat will be cooked gyros-style on the spit and over coals – as MasterChef contestant (season 16) Kristian Walker watches over all the proceedings. 

Wines will be paired with the food, plus guests will find firepits dotted about the grounds and DJs playing throughout the evening.

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Top image:Nautilus Estate