THE GRAPEVINE BLOG

Innovation in the Hunter Valley has long been defined by its ability to balance tradition with progressive thinking. Latitude 32 Wines newly launched Wonnarua Range, is a deeply considered collaboration between contemporary winemaking and the world’s oldest continuous culture. Created in partnership with the Wonnarua People, the Traditional Custodi

Sommeliers from leading Sydney restaurants and hospitality groups descended on the Hunter Valley for a hands-on, immersive two-day “Backstage” vintage experience. Kicking off with a masterclass hosted by industry legends Andrew Thomas, Andrew Spinaze and Iain Riggs, flagship Semillon vineyards including Thomas Braemore Vineyard, Mount Pleasant Love

The 2026 Hunter Valley Vintage opened at Mount Pleasant, where 80 local wine industry members joined Wonnarua Elder, Warren Taggart for a Smoking Ceremony - deeply rooted in 60,000 years of indigenous culture. As the first wine region in Australia to adopt the practice, sacred ancient symbols were used to bless the vintage with smouldering eucalypt

On paper, this might be the worst possible time to launch a new wine brand. Economic pressures, shifting drinking habits and a wine glut all should ring alarm bells. Yet at the inaugural “Valley Rising” festival, thirteen emerging Hunter Valley producers gathered to show that invention, belief and ambition are alive and well in Australia’s most his