Halliday Wine Companion

Stephen Pannell is one of Australia’s most influential winemakers and a driving force behind the rise of modern McLaren Vale grenache. In this episode of the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, Steve shares how a childhood spent working in vineyards in Margaret River eventually led him to winemaking, despite his best efforts to avoid the family profession. From producing more than 200 million bottles of red wine at Hardys to rediscovering his creativity in Barolo, Steve explains how pinot noir and nebbiolo shaped his unique approach to grenache. The conversation explores what makes McLaren Vale grenache so expressive, the importance of tannin, picking decisions and old-vine vineyards, and why great wine should reflect the land rather than the hand of the winemaker. Steve also takes us inside his Little Branch vineyard in Blewitt Springs, where century-old grenache vines produce his distinctly different Sunrise and Sunset wines. Steve also discusses the restoration of his Koomilya vineyard, the inspiration behind his Halliday award-winning Mataro Rosé, and his mission to preserve the future of warm-climate Australian shiraz. He also makes a passionate case for taking rosé, sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio and merlot seriously, while encouraging wine drinkers to trust their own tastes. As the Australian wine industry faces one of its most challenging periods, Steve reflects on why the country has never made better wine and considers the Mediterranean and Italian varieties that could define its future. Halliday Wine Companion Follow Halliday Wine Companion on Instagram Follow Anna Webster on Instagram Follow S.C. Pannell on Instagram Explore S.C. Pannell wines: https://scpannell.com.au/ In this episode: How Steve Pannell found his way into winemaking The evolution of modern Australian grenache What pinot noir and nebbiolo taught Steve about grenache Why tannin is essential to the identity of red wine The influence of soil, ironstone and the ocean in McLaren Vale What makes Blewitt Springs such a distinctive grenache region The story behind the century-old Little Branch vineyard How Sunrise and Sunset grenache express two parts of the same site Restoring biodiversity at the Koomilya vineyard Why premium fruit is essential to serious rosé Protecting the future of warm-climate Australian shiraz Mediterranean grape varieties suited to Australia’s changing climate Why wine drinkers should never feel intimidated by personal taste Steve’s hopes for the future of Australian wine

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 Companion Follow Halliday Wine Companion on Instagram Follow Anna Webster on Instagram Order the 2027 Halliday Wine Companion In this episode: Bruce’s earliest memories of growing up at Tyrrell’s How a rugby injury led him back to the family winery The evolution of Australian drinking and dining culture Tyrrell’s role in producing Australia’s first commercial chardonnay Why Bruce secretly stored Vat 1 Semillon to delay its release How Hunter Valley semillon earned international recognition The story behind Johnno’s Semillon and Tyrrell’s Sacred Sites Why Tyrrell’s embraced screw caps The challenges of making wine in the Hunter Valley Bruce’s advice for Tyrell’s next generation What comes next after more than 50 years in the wine industry Explore 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.

What really goes into reviewing thousands of Australian wines and selecting the very best for the Halliday Wine Companion? To celebrate the release of the 2027 Halliday Wine Companion and the annual Halliday Awards, Halliday’s Head of Tasting and General Manager, Katrina Butler, takes us behind the scenes of Australia’s most comprehensive wine guide. Katrina explains the wine submission process, how the Halliday Tasting Team assesses quality and maintains consistency, and why the reviews are written with everyday wine drinkers in mind. The conversation also explores score inflation, the value of bronze-medal wines, and how to remain objective when wine tasting is inherently subjective. Katrina reveals how approximately 9000 wines are narrowed down for the Companion and how the country’s best bottles are selected through blind judging. You’ll also hear how winners are chosen across categories including Winery of the Year, Winemaker of the Year, Best New Winery, Dark Horse Winery and the James Halliday Hall of Fame. Plus, Katrina and host Anna Webster discuss the current state of Australian wine, the growing diversity of grape varieties, the increasing prominence of women in wine and why the quality of Australian wine has never been stronger. Halliday Wine Companion Follow Halliday Wine Companion on Instagram Follow Anna Webster on Instagram Follow Katrina Butler on Instagram Order the 2027 Halliday Wine Companion In this episode: How wineries can submit wines to Halliday Wine Companion What Halliday’s critics look for when reviewing a wine Blind tasting versus reviewing wines by producer How critics manage palate fatigue The difference between Halliday reviews and wine show judging How a nine-person Tasting Team maintains consistent scores Whether score inflation is affecting the 100-point wine system Why bronze-medal wines deserve more recognition How approximately 9000 wines are narrowed down for the Companion How the annual Halliday Wine Companion Awards are judged What makes a winery worthy of Winery of the Year The strict criteria wines must meet to be inducted into the Halliday Hall of Fame How climate change and market conditions are reshaping Australian wine Why Australian wine belongs on the world stage Whether you’re a winemaker considering submitting your wines, a collector searching for the best Australian bottles or simply curious about how wine scores and awards are determined, this episode offers a rare look inside the Halliday Wine Companion tasting and judging process. 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 we 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 McDougall 00:29 Growing up in Hong Kong and Australia 01:46 The glass of wine that changed Eddie’s life 03:24 Leaving business behind to study winemaking 04:31 Eddie’s first vintage at Shadowfax 07:32 O’Leary Walker, Clyde Park and Giant Steps 09:56 Working at Vietti and discovering fine wine 12:24 Inside Hong Kong’s urban winery 17:04 What happens when grapes are snap-frozen? 18:40 How Hong Kong became a global wine hub 21:09 The Flying Winemaker business model 24:24 Australian wine’s international perception problem 29:01 Creating the E.J. McDougall fine wine label 30:50 McLaren Vale old-vine Shiraz 35:40 Producing Margaret River Chardonnay 38:41 Tasmanian Riesling and international allocations 41:30 Turning The Flying Winemaker into a television series 45:03 Connecting wine with Asian food and culture 47:23 The rise of Chinese fine wine 51:45 Why Australian exports to China have changed 53:19 Relationships, responsibility and giving back 54:35 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, Anna Webster sits down with Gwyn Olsen, senior winemaker at Henschke, one of Australia’s most iconic family-owned wineries. Gwyn’s path into wine was anything but predictable. Born in Cairns and raised in Indonesia, she went on to study biochemistry before discovering winemaking through postgraduate oenology at the University of Adelaide. From her first vintage in the south of France – a job she landed thanks to Google Translate – to roles at Villa Maria, McWilliam’s, Mount Pleasant, Briar Ridge and Pepper Tree, Gwyn’s career has been shaped by science, resilience, family-owned wine businesses and a love of site-driven winemaking. Now based in the Barossa’s Eden Valley, Gwyn shares what it is like to work with some of the most famous vineyard sites in Australia, including Hill of Grace, Mount Edelstone, The Wheelwright and Cyril Henschke. She talks about the pressure of making wines with such deep history, the importance of patience in the winery, and how small one-percent improvements in picking, topping, sulphur, oak and blending can help protect and elevate Henschke’s legacy. Anna and Gwyn also explore the story behind The Nurturer, a bright, crunchy new Henschke wine inspired by Prue Henschke’s experimental plantings, plus the future of Lenswood, sustainability, old vines, biosecurity and what succession might look like inside one of Australia’s most respected wine families. Henschke Henschke on Instagram Halliday Wine Companion Halliday Wine Companion on Instagram Anna Webster on Instagram Buy the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion 🍷 Gwyn’s childhood in Indonesia and unlikely path into wine 🍷 Studying biochemistry before discovering oenology 🍷 Her first vintage in France after using Google Translate to apply 🍷 Working at Villa Maria, McWilliam’s, Mount Pleasant, Briar Ridge and Pepper Tree 🍷 How she landed the senior winemaker role at Henschke while on maternity leave 🍷 The pressure of making Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone 🍷 Why patience has become central to her winemaking philosophy 🍷 The story behind Henschke’s The Nurturer 🍷 How Prue Henschke’s vineyard experiments are shaping new wines 🍷 What sustainability, old vines and succession mean for Henschke’s future 00:00 Meet Gwyn Olsen 01:29 From biochemistry to winemaking 03:05 Gwyn’s first vintage in the south of France 04:57 Learning winery French and working in Saint-Émilion 06:08 Villa Maria and family-owned wine businesses 08:45 McWilliam’s, Mount Pleasant and the Hunter Valley 09:22 Pepper Tree, Briar Ridge and career-defining awards 12:17 Landing the Henschke role while on maternity leave 16:19 The blind tasting moment in the Henschke interview 21:20 The pressure of working with iconic vineyards 23:08 Small changes and one-percenters in the winery 27:41 The story behind The Nurturer 31:35 Tappa Pass Shiraz and a cooler Barossa vintage 32:39 Mount Edelstone, Hill of Grace and the single vineyard sites 35:40 The weight of Henschke history 39:31 Apollonia Shiraz and new expressions 46:45 How Gwyn’s winemaking philosophy has evolved 47:42 Succession and Gwyn’s role in Henschke’s future 54:47 What’s next for Henschke Gwyn Olsen, Henschke, Henschke wine, Hill of Grace, Mount Edelstone, Eden Valley wine, Barossa wine, Australian wine podcast, Halliday Wine Companion, Prue Henschke, Stephen Henschke, Australian winemaker, female winemaker, The Nurturer Henschke, Tappa Pass Shiraz, single vineyard wine, old vine Shiraz. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.