The Great Australian Pour
Try January Celebrates Australia Day
Aussie Celebrations
January is often a month of reset — lighter meals, fewer indulgences and, for many, a pause on alcohol. But Try January doesn’t have to mean missing out altogether. It can also be about being more thoughtful: drinking less, but better. And what better moment to raise a considered glass than Australia Day?
Australia Day, celebrated on 26 January, marks the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. Today it is a National Day of Reflection as well as celebration — acknowledging the complexity of its history while recognising the extraordinary creativity, resilience and diversity of modern Australia. One thing Australians undeniably do well is wine.
From Margaret River to McLaren Vale, Australia produces wines of character, confidence and world-class quality. This January, I’m celebrating Australia Day with seven bottles that tell a story — of place, people and personality.
Australian Vintners
For years, the UK’s idea of Australian wine has been shaped by big supermarket brands and the same familiar styles. But a new wave of independent growers is revealing a very different picture — one defined by precision, personality and place. Helping lead that change are Australian Vintners, founded by Ben Harvey and Paul Bartram. Their aim is refreshingly simple: bring handcrafted, small‑batch Australian wines — the ones most locals drink at home — to UK shelves.
Although the UK imports an enormous amount of wine each year, only a tiny fraction comes from Australia — and most of what we do see represents just a sliver of what the country actually produces. With around 90% of Australian wineries not exporting at all, it’s no wonder UK drinkers often only encounter the familiar stereotypes: big Chardonnay, bold Shiraz, and little else. In reality, Australia makes an extraordinary breadth of styles, but until recently, most of them never made it out of the country.
This is exactly the gap Australian Vintners set out to close. Founded by two friends over a shared bottle, the company’s mission is to showcase the incredible wines Australians drink at home — small‑batch, distinctive bottles made by family growers who pour passion into every part of their craft. Their philosophy is refreshingly down‑to‑earth: choose wines they genuinely love, avoid anything mass‑produced, and treat wine as something to enjoy, not overthink.
Ben Harvey’s connection to Australia runs deep. After years working in London, a visit to the Barossa opened his eyes to the kind of wines that almost never leave the country — nuanced, surprising, and full of character. That experience inspired him to help small Australian producers reach UK drinkers who would never otherwise discover them.
For Paul Bartram, the excitement comes from finding wines that are both delicious and meaningful — bottles that elevate gatherings, meals, and memories. He sees Australia not just as a source of classic varietals, but as a place where Mediterranean grapes thrive, innovation flourishes, and quality doesn’t have to mean high prices.
Together, they’ve built Australian Vintners around a simple belief: great wine should be distinctive, joyful, and accessible — and the UK deserves to taste the real Australia.
Every bottle they import is tasted and selected personally, with an emphasis on value, authenticity and drinkability. Their growers — many small, family‑run wineries — have earned an impressive list of awards and accolades.
Here are four wines that perfectly capture that shift.
Sawyer – Adelaide Hills Chardonnay, 2023 (£26)
Sawyer Wine Co. sits in the cool, elevated terrain of the Adelaide Hills, a region known for producing lighter, more energetic styles. The winery itself was created by Mikey and Zoe Sawyer, who channel years of international winemaking experience into small‑scale, hands‑on production. Their approach focuses on clarity of fruit and gentle winemaking that lets the cool climate shine through.
This Chardonnay is all about brightness — think citrus and white peach, supported by a subtle creamy edge that never overpowers. The cool climate brings a clean line of acidity, making the finish crisp and refreshing rather than rich or heavy.
Food Pairing: Excellent with lemon‑roasted chicken, creamy seafood pasta, or grilled monkfish.
Auld Family Wines – Wilberforce Riesling, 2023 (£18)
Auld Family Wines has deep roots in South Australia, and the Wilberforce range honours a family story stretching back generations. The Riesling fruit comes from Eden Valley — a high‑altitude area known for producing aromatic whites with tension and minerality. The name “Wilberforce” nods to a legendary horse tied to the family’s history, symbolising endurance and reliability — fitting for a Riesling built on purity and consistency.
Expect lifted aromatics — flowers, citrus peel, a touch of lime — followed by a palate that balances freshness with depth. There are hints of stone fruit and delicate blossom, all carried by crisp acidity and that hallmark Eden Valley mineral backbone.
Food Pairing: Stunning with sushi, Thai salads, pan‑fried sole, or soft goat’s cheese.
Common Molly – McLaren Vale Grenache, 2022 (£26.25)
Common Molly is part of the Auld Family Wines portfolio, but its personality is distinctly playful — a label designed to showcase wines that are immediately enjoyable. The fruit comes from McLaren Vale, a region with a long ripening season that allows Grenache to develop perfume, supple texture and generous fruit.
This Grenache opens with gentle floral notes before shifting into juicy plum and berry flavours. There’s a touch of spice that adds warmth, but the wine stays light on its feet, finishing smooth and vibrant. It’s the kind of red that works as easily with mid‑week dinners as it does at a summer barbecue.
Food Pairing: Think roasted pork belly, chargrilled vegetables, mezze spreads or even a glazed ham.
Auld Family Wines – Barossa Valley William Patrick Shiraz, 2018 (£35)
The William Patrick wines pay tribute to one of the Auld family’s most storied ancestors, and the Barossa Shiraz within the range reflects the region’s reputation for richness and complexity. The style typically leans into dark fruits, spice and structure — a more refined snapshot of Barossa Shiraz than the heavy, jammy styles often associated with Australia abroad.
By 2018, the wine has settled beautifully: velvety tannins, deep berry fruit, hints of savoury spice, and a gently warming finish. It has that classic Barossa depth but presented in a balanced, polished way.
Food Pairing: Perfect with slow‑cooked lamb shoulder, venison pie, mushroom ragù or peppered steak.
All four wines featured are available through Australian Vintners, with free delivery on orders over £30.
Instagram: @australianvintners
Auld Family Wines | Seventh Generation Winemakers
Final Pour
Australia Day is about gathering, sharing and reflecting — and wine has a unique way of bringing people together. These wines remind us that Australian wine doesn’t need fireworks to impress — just a sense of place and a story worth telling.
Cheers to Australia, and to drinking thoughtfully.
For more wine recommendations check out my Instagram: @dmc_uncorked
