Halliday Wine Companion

Bruce Tyrrell AM has spent more than five decades shaping Australian wine. As the fourth generation of one of Australia’s oldest family-owned wineries, he has helped transform Tyrrell’s, champion Hunter Valley semillon around the world, and preserve some of Australia’s most important old-vine vineyards.Fresh from being named the 2027 James Halliday Hall of Fame inductee, Bruce joins the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast to reflect on growing up at Tyrrell’s, joining the family business in 1974 and witnessing the evolution from fortified wine and manual vineyard work to modern winemaking.Bruce shares the story behind Tyrrell’s iconic Vat 1 Semillon, including the secret decision to hold the wine back for five years despite the pressure it placed on the winery’s cash flow. He also explains why Hunter Valley semillon is unlike any other wine in the world, how screw caps changed wine quality, and what makes the Hunter Valley one of Australia’s most challenging regions for growing grapes.The conversation also explores Tyrrell’s historic vineyards, including the 1908-planted HVD vineyard, and the Sacred Sites collection, along with the family succession plan involving Bruce’s children, Chris, John and Jane.Halliday Wine CompanionFollow Halliday Wine Companion on InstagramFollow Anna Webster on InstagramOrder the 2027 Halliday Wine CompanionIn this episode:Bruce’s earliest memories of growing up at Tyrrell’sHow a rugby injury led him back to the family wineryThe evolution of Australian drinking and dining cultureTyrrell’s role in producing Australia’s first commercial chardonnayWhy Bruce secretly stored Vat 1 Semillon to delay its releaseHow Hunter Valley semillon earned international recognitionThe story behind Johnno’s Semillon and Tyrrell’s Sacred SitesWhy Tyrrell’s embraced screw capsThe challenges of making wine in the Hunter ValleyBruce’s advice for Tyrell’s next generationWhat comes next after more than 50 years in the wine industryExplore Tyrrell’s Wines and discover more about the winery’s family history.For more Australian wine stories, expert reviews and independent ratings, visit Halliday Wine Companion.This podcast was recorded on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. We acknowledge them as the enduring custodians of this Country and recognise their continuing cultural practices of caring for the land and waters. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We extend that respect to the Traditional Owners of the many lands across Australia and beyond whose wineries and stories we are privileged to share.

A single glass of Alsatian pinot blanc changed the direction of Eddie McDougall’s life. In this episode of the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, host Anna Webster sits down with winemaker, entrepreneur, TV personality and founder of The Flying Winemaker, Eddie McDougall. Eddie shares how his upbringing between Hong Kong and Australia, his father’s extraordinary entrepreneurial journey, and an unexpected encounter with wine inspired him to abandon the conventional business career expected of him and pursue winemaking. That decision took him from putting nets on vineyards at Shadowfax to working alongside respected winemakers at O’Leary Walker, Clyde Park and Giant Steps, before travelling to Italy to work at renowned Barolo producer Vietti. Eddie also reveals how he became involved with a pioneering urban winery in Hong Kong, where grapes from regions including the Clare Valley, McLaren Vale, Bordeaux, Tuscany and Piedmont were snap-frozen and transported to the city for winemaking. The conversation explores the explosive growth of Hong Kong’s wine market, the rise of Chinese fine wine, changing drinking preferences across Asia and the global perception problem currently facing Australian wine. Eddie explains why Australian wine is too often viewed internationally as either inexpensive and uncomplicated, or represented solely by a handful of famous luxury producers. He believes Australia needs to present its wines with greater confidence, pride and aspiration. Anna and Eddie also delve into the creation of his premium E.J. McDougall label, including its old-vine McLaren Vale Shiraz and Grenache, Margaret River Chardonnay and forthcoming Tasmanian Riesling. They discuss the importance of trusted grower relationships, limited production, international allocations and Eddie’s ambition to produce wines capable of representing Australia on the world stage. Plus, Eddie shares the remarkable story behind The Flying Winemaker television series, his work promoting Chinese wine through the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards and the philosophy that continues to guide his career. Follow E.J. McDougall on Instagram Explore E.J. McDougall Wines Discover The Flying Winemaker Halliday Wine Companion Follow Halliday Wine Companion on Instagram Follow Anna Webster on Instagram Preorder the 2027 Halliday Wine Companion In This Episode The glass of pinot blanc that changed Eddie’s life Growing up between Hong Kong and Australia Learning winemaking at Shadowfax, O’Leary Walker and Giant Steps Working at Vietti in Piedmont Making wine inside a Hong Kong industrial building How snap-frozen grapes can be used for winemaking Why Hong Kong became one of the world’s major wine hubs How The Flying Winemaker business model works Why Australian wine is struggling for global recognition The launch of the premium E.J. McDougall label Old-vine Shiraz and Grenache from McLaren Vale Margaret River Chardonnay and Tasmanian Riesling The changing Chinese wine market Creating The Flying Winemaker television series The growth of the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards Why relationships remain essential in the wine industry   00:00 Introducing Eddie McDougall00:29 Growing up in Hong Kong and Australia01:46 The glass of wine that changed Eddie’s life03:24 Leaving business behind to study winemaking04:31 Eddie’s first vintage at Shadowfax07:32 O’Leary Walker, Clyde Park and Giant Steps09:56 Working at Vietti and discovering fine wine12:24 Inside Hong Kong’s urban winery17:04 What happens when grapes are snap-frozen?18:40 How Hong Kong became a global wine hub21:09 The Flying Winemaker business model24:24 Australian wine’s international perception problem29:01 Creating the E.J. McDougall fine wine label30:50 McLaren Vale old-vine Shiraz35:40 Producing Margaret River Chardonnay38:41 Tasmanian Riesling and international allocations41:30 Turning The Flying Winemaker into a television series45:03 Connecting wine with Asian food and culture47:23 The rise of Chinese fine wine51:45 Why Australian exports to China have changed53:19 Relationships, responsibility and giving back54:35 Eddie’s pursuit of simplicity and mastery   Eddie McDougall, Halliday Wine Companion podcast, Australian wine, The Flying Winemaker, E.J. McDougall Wines, Australian winemaker, McLaren Vale Shiraz, McLaren Vale Grenache, Margaret River Chardonnay, Tasmanian Riesling, Hong Kong wine industry, Chinese wine, Australian fine wine, wine podcast, Anna Webster, Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, Giles Cooke MW, co-founder of Thistledown Wines, shares his journey in the wine industry and the philosophy behind his winemaking. He reflects on winning Wine of the Year, the history of the Smart Vineyard in McLaren Vale, and the techniques used to craft wines that are expressive of site. Host Anna Webster and Giles explore the challenges and rewards of the Master of Wine program, the potential of grenache in Australia, and Giles’ personal passion for food and wine pairing. The conversation also touches on the 2024 vintage, the balance of intuition and experience in winemaking, and future aspirations for Thistledown Wines. Connect with us: Thistledown Wines Thistledown Wines on Instagram Giles Cooke MW on Instagram Halliday Wine Companion Halliday Wine Companion on Instagram Halliday Wine Club Buy the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion LANGTONS LANGTONS on Instagram Key Takeaways The Smart Vineyard holds historic significance in McLaren Vale Great winemaking is about translating the vineyard into the bottle Grenache is often misunderstood because of its lighter style and colour The 2024 vintage was generous compared to previous years The Master of Wine program is rigorous and demands dedication Winemaking combines experience, intuition and trial and error Thistledown Wines focuses on medium-bodied, food-friendly wines Episode Chapters 00:00 – Winning Wine of the Year: A Journey of Doubt and Pride03:35 – The Smart Vineyard: History and Significance06:30 – Crafting the Wine: Techniques and Philosophy12:08 – Tasting the Wine: Aromatics and Flavour Profile14:00 – The 2024 Vintage: Insights and Decisions16:32 – Giles Cooke’s Wine Journey: From Passion to Profession18:33 – Master of Wine: The Challenges and Experience21:08 – Learning Winemaking: Experience and Intuition24:08 – Establishing Thistledown: Vision and Challenges27:35 – The Evolution of Grenache: Perception and Future29:55 – Exploring Other Varieties: Grenache Blanc and More31:59 – Quickfire Questions:    If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, leave a review, and share it with others who love Australian wine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Step onto the auction floor with Michael Anderson, Head of Auctions at LANGTONS, and discover how rare bottles move from cellar to gavel. We unpack the do’s and don’ts of bidding, reveal the labels that keep climbing in value, and hear Michael’s personal journey from hospitality to helming Australia’s biggest fine-wine marketplace. Whether you buy to drink, invest, or simply daydream, this chat demystifies the world of wine auctions so you can bid (or sell) with confidence. Connect with us: LANGTONS LANGTONS on Instagram Halliday Wine Companion Wine Companion on Instagram Halliday Wine Club   Key Takeaways The founding of LANGTONS and how Australia’s auction scene has matured Red flags that signal a corked, heat-affected or otherwise damaged bottle Proven investment staples: Penfolds Grange, Wendouree, Burgundy grands crus and more Market shifts after COVID-era cellaring booms Michael’s tips for first-time bidders: set your ceiling, read condition reports, phone a specialist Career lessons from pouring glasses to commanding the hammer Chapters 00:00 Introduction to LANGTONS’ Auctions 02:04 Michael's Journey into the Wine World 03:30 A Day in the Life of a Head of Auctions 04:25 Understanding the Auction Process 09:17 Assessing Wine Condition and Quality 14:12 Market Pricing and Trends 16:31 Diverse Buyer Preferences 18:18 Finding Bargains in the Wine Market 24:57 Investment Wines and Speculation 27:00 The Secondary Market Dynamics 30:23 Surprising Sales and Unique Collections 38:09 Dealing with Fraudulent Wines 42:20 Quickfire Questions with MichaelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first episode of the new and improved Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, Halliday editor and host Anna Webster speaks with Melanie Chester, head winemaker at Giant Steps in the Yarra Valley. We celebrate Giant Steps being named the 2025 Winery of the Year, discuss the importance of terroir, and the inspiration behind the new Circle of Fifths range. Mel also shares insights into wine judging, the art of blending, and how music plays a role in their winemaking process. The episode closes with a look at quality control, future plans for Giant Steps, and a rapid-fire segment on Mel’s personal wine preferences. Connect with us: Giant Steps Halliday Wine Companion Awards Circle of Fifths Wine Range Giant Steps on Instagram LANGTONS Wine Companion on Instagram Halliday Wine Companion Key Takeaways Melanie Chester’s journey from South Australia to the Yarra Valley Giant Steps winning Winery of the Year 2025 Judging experience as a tool for refining winemaking skills The role of terroir in shaping Yarra Valley wines Circle of Fifths as a celebration of single vineyard wines Blending as both a creative and technical process Music as a unique part of Giant Steps' winemaking philosophy The difference between single-vineyard wines and blends The importance of quality control at every stage of production Giant Steps’ plans for vineyard expansion and future growth Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast00:52 – Melanie Chester's Journey in Winemaking02:21 – Winning Winery of the Year: Giant Steps' Achievement05:10 – The Role of Judging Experience in Winemaking07:00 – Understanding Terroir: The Unique Vineyards of Yarra Valley10:09 – The Circle of Fifths: A New Wine Range13:59 – The Art of Blending Wines18:21 – The Influence of Music in Winemaking20:09 – Single Vineyard vs Blended Wines23:02 – Tasting and Quality Control in Winemaking26:24 – Future Aspirations for Giant Steps32:15 – Quickfire Questions with Melanie Chester If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, leave a review, and share it with fellow wine enthusiasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Halliday Wine Companion 'By the Glass' EP 16: Nick Brown, All Saints, Rutherglen Today I am in Rutherglen in Victoria’s Northeast and I am joined by a descendant of wine royalty. Nick Brown from All Saints Estate. If the last name hasn’t given it away, Nick has lived and breathed wine his whole life, spending his childhood running about the cellars of his family winery Brown Brothers in Milawa. And while he initially started off pursuing a career in geological engineering, he thankfully found his way back into wine. Now, today’s area of focus is Muscat. And Muscat of Rutherglen is an Australian treasure. Knowledge that has been passed down through generations, with a history spanning over 100 years of family winemaking. Muscat is rich, complex, intense and pairs exceptionally well with savoury dishes, through to full flavoured cheeses and desserts. Please welcome, Nick.  Any thoughts or suggestions for upcoming episodes? Please email us at [email protected] and don't forget to follow Halliday Wine Companion over on instagram here. Want to know what wine we were drinking?  All Saints Estate Museum Rutherglen Muscat Non Vintage Looking for a little more wine inspiration? For more information on Australian wines and wineries, including tasting notes, head over to winecompanion.com.au. Interested in becoming a Halliday Wine Companion member? Click here. Hardie Grant acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the country on which we work, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation and the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, and recognises their continuing connection to the land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.Support the show: https://www.winecompanion.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.