We’ve turned Down under upside down to find their greatest wines and spirits, perfect for Australia Day but also any other day, let’s be honest!
Aussie grape vines are some of the oldest in the world, and with such diverse terroir, it’s no wonder that Aussies only import 20% of their wine – they know they’ve got some of the best already on their doorstep.
Whilst wines might be their best-known output, they’re also flourishing with spirits, producing some delicious, distinct, and characterful bottles that we love. These are 8 you have to try.
Spirits
Brookie's Byron Dry Gin
The work of the Brook Family at their Cape Byron Distillery, this gin is a celebration of the unique terroir of the Northern Rivers. 17 of the 25 botanicals are native to this area around Byron Bay, including raspberries, cinnamon, aniseed, finger limes, river mint and macademia. Juniper ultimately leads the way, but backed up by raspberry, liquorice, macademia, zesty citrus and lively cinnamon… there is so much to love. It makes incredible Gin Martinis.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £38.74
Starward Fortis Whisky
Big but elegant, this bold single malt shows what Australia whisky can do. It’s matured completely in American oak that previously held red wine, so you get plenty of jammy berries, dried fruits and oaky vanilla. The sips are super smooth too, coating the mouth with warming cinnamon and clove spice. With richness and depth of flavour, this is incredibly well rounded and well worth picking up.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 50%
Find here: £58.95 (usually more!)
Regal Rogue Wild Rosé Vermouth
We love Regal Rogue because they really go for it with the wines in their Vermouth selection. With Wild Rosé, they deliver a big and bright fruit-forward expression making the most of native Illawara plums, rosella, and strawberries with Barossa Cabernet Rosé for a stunning red fruit symphony. Refreshing, complex, subtle and satisfying.
Size: 500ml
ABV: 16.5%
Find here: £18.30
Bundaberg Rum
Some people refuse to accept this Queensland gem is a rum because it doesn’t quite reach the 37.5% minimum ABV, but when you taste it you won’t care one bit. The slightly lower percentage gives way to demerara sweetness with heaps of spicy molasses. Bundaberg is known for its distinctive character, carrying heaps of sugary spice right through to the mellow finish. It's smooth and soft but we’d recommend it with a mixer like ginger beer to get the most out of it.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 37%
Find here: £32.04 (usually more!)
Manly Spirits Co. Marine Botanical Vodka
This Sydney distillery focuses on maximum flavour extraction using Australian wheat. In fact, the process is just like a gin but without the juniper. Sustainable native marine botanicals like sea parsley and kelp produce a maritime, savoury profile with the perfect touch of salt. If you’re into Dirty Martinis, then an umami gem like this is a must try.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.6%
Find here: £34.79
Wine
Greasy Fingers Chardonnay
Quite a newcomer from Pernod Ricard, this decadent drop fulfils its label promise of ‘big and buttery’. Oaky vanilla hits from the first sip, and the palate fills out with orchard fruits, but it’s the buttery, creamy deliciousness that steals the show, and makes this a tremendous companion for, as they say, greasy foods.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £10
Mino & Co A Growers Touch Durif 2022
There’s such a beautiful colour to this Aussie red – an inviting crimson red. Mulberry and blueberry dominate a seductive nose, followed by signature Durif palate flavours of dark fruits, hints of vanilla and coconut, and powerful mulberry again. A little oaky spice on the finish too. This is a wine that booms.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £10.98
Bird in Hand Sparkling
Sarah Burvill, one of the world’s leading winemakers, is at the helm of Bird in Hand in the Adelaide Hills, and her fizz is top notch. It’s her flagship style, all starting from some of the world’s oldest, richest soils. Behind that beautiful blush is a tantalising and elegant warm climate dryness, with strawberries from the Pinot Noir and pretty, fruity depths.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £15.99
Of course, this is just a drop in the ocean (albeit a delicious drop) when it comes to Australian wine. Check out more of the best Down Under wines here!
