Pig In The House 2026 Pinot Grigio

The 2026 releases under the Pig In the house label from the O’Dea family's organic Windowrie Wines operation in the Central Ranges of NSW are right on target for fun, affordable summer drinking. The picpoul is excellent and I also thoroughly enjoyed the organic rosé. With PGs very much in vogue, this is probably going to be the most popular - a wine full of youthful verve that is ideal for serving chilled across a range of food styles. This is pale, but bright and enthusiastic. Flavoursome with zesty citrus notes and nice bight acidity. Well made and terrific value. Distributed by Single Vineyard Sellers. $28. https://www.windowrie.com.au/collections/pig-in-the-house

Kyneton Ridge 2025 Vermentino

Vermentino is a white grape variety that thrives in warmer climes and is found across Italy, primarily in Sardinia, Liguria, Corsica, Piedmont and Tuscany. It boomed in Australia briefly but appears to have ceded popularity to fellow Italian variety fiano. That's a pity because when well done, as is the case here in Victoria's Macedon Ranges, it has a lot to offer as a food-friendly wine for enjoying chilled. The palate offers fresh, lively melange of tropical and stone fruit flavours with a saline element. This would be excellent paired with pan-fried whitebait. $35. https://kynetonridge.com.au/  

Longview 2021 The Piece Shiraz

Longview, at Macclesfield in the Adelaide Hills, is a delightful spot to visit for a wine tasting: lovely views, excellent food and wines that offer terrific value. This is a special release - hard to find in retail - that is probably worth the journey on its own. Back in 2011, the Saturno family launched The Piece Project, which annually invited four street artists to to create murals live, in front of a crowd. Each winner is awarded not only a cash prize but also the label of premium shiraz label The Piece Shiraz. Illustrated by Tim Phibbs, this is a superb cool-climate shiraz, shining at five years of age. It is dark, for sure, and also intense and savoury, while remaining well balanced. We enjoyed it with beef casserole and herbed dumplings, but it could easily be cellared for a decade or more and saved for a special occasion. $120. https://www.longviewvineyard.com.au/