Wellington & Wolfe

There are many routes to winemaking, and a master’s degree in modern history from Scotland is among the more unusual. Hugh McCullough came to love wine through hospitality, ultimately culminating in a master’s in viticulture and oenology, focusing on sparkling and aromatic wine production. Vintages in Oregon, Washington, the Barossa and Tasmania followed, finally settling in Launceston with his winemaker Natalie Fryar (Bellebonne), establishing Wellington & Wolfe in '17. The aromatic expression, depth of flavour and racy acidity of Tasmanian riesling are his first love; 2nd label Wolfe at the Door was introduced in '20 to showcase the ‘supporting’ varietals. Production is tiny and fruit is sourced from growers in Pipers River and the Tamar Valley. A talented newcomer to watch. -TYSON STELZER