In this episode of the Halliday Wine Companion podcast, Halliday taster, drinks writer and liquor merchant Mike Bennie shares his path into the wine industry, his passion for natural wines, and how Australia’s wine scene has evolved. He reflects on founding Sydney’s groundbreaking Rootstock Festival, the challenge of defining natural wine, and judging Halliday’s inaugural ‘wildcard’ category. Mike also makes a case for judging wine by style, explains why he’s a champion of under-the-radar regions such as Queensland’s Granite Belt, and discusses how personal style influences wine culture. The conversation wraps with a playful debate on wine and cheese pairings.

Connect with us:

Mike Bennie on Instagram

Halliday Wine Companion

Halliday Wine Companion on Instagram

Halliday Wine Club

Buy the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion

LANGTONS

LANGTONS on Instagram

Takeaways 

• Mike Bennie transitioned from law into the wine world.
• Natural wine covers a broad range of styles.
• Rootstock Festival shone a spotlight on natural wine producers.
• Australia’s natural wine movement has grown and matured.
• Natural wine is grounded in organic farming and minimal intervention.
• Halliday’s new wildcard category fosters diversity.
• Mike argues wine should be judged by style rather than variety.
• He often gets pigeonholed as a ‘natural wine guy’.
• He champions regions like Queensland’s Granite Belt.
• Wine and cheese pairings are often overrated.
  
  
  

Chapters
00:00 Acknowledging the Land and Introduction
00:53 Mike Bennie’s Journey into Wine
02:06 The Allure of Natural Wines
03:28 Founding Sydney’s Rootstock Festival
05:09 Evolution of the Natural Wine Scene
06:25 Defining Natural Wine
08:15 Shifts in Natural Wine Styles
10:01 The Wildcard Category in Wine Judging
11:26 Categorisation in Wine Judging
14:12 Proposing Changes in Wine Judging
17:01 The Importance of Style in Wine Lists
18:28 Pigeonholed as a ‘Natural Wine Guy’
19:56 A Deep Dive into Wine Knowledge
24:15 Personal Style and Image in the Wine Industry
27:23 Championing Under-the-Radar Wine Regions
34:50 The Wine and Cheese Debate
37:06 Quickfire Questions and Personal Preferences

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In this episode of the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, Giles Cooke MW, co-founder of Thistledown Wines, shares his journey in the wine industry and the philosophy behind his winemaking. He reflects on winning Wine of the Year, the history of the Smart Vineyard in McLaren Vale, and the techniques used to craft wines that are expressive of site. Host Anna Webster and Giles explore the challenges and rewards of the Master of Wine program, the potential of grenache in Australia, and Giles’ personal passion for food and wine pairing. The conversation also touches on the 2024 vintage, the balance of intuition and experience in winemaking, and future aspirations for Thistledown Wines.

Connect with us:

Thistledown Wines

Thistledown Wines on Instagram

Giles Cooke MW on Instagram

Halliday Wine Companion

Halliday Wine Companion on Instagram

Halliday Wine Club

Buy the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion

LANGTONS

LANGTONS on Instagram

Key Takeaways

• The Smart Vineyard holds historic significance in McLaren Vale
• Great winemaking is about translating the vineyard into the bottle
• Grenache is often misunderstood because of its lighter style and colour
• The 2024 vintage was generous compared to previous years
• The Master of Wine program is rigorous and demands dedication
• Winemaking combines experience, intuition and trial and error
• Thistledown Wines focuses on medium-bodied, food-friendly wines
  
  

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Winning Wine of the Year: A Journey of Doubt and Pride
03:35 – The Smart Vineyard: History and Significance
06:30 – Crafting the Wine: Techniques and Philosophy
12:08 – Tasting the Wine: Aromatics and Flavour Profile
14:00 – The 2024 Vintage: Insights and Decisions
16:32 – Giles Cooke’s Wine Journey: From Passion to Profession
18:33 – Master of Wine: The Challenges and Experience
21:08 – Learning Winemaking: Experience and Intuition
24:08 – Establishing Thistledown: Vision and Challenges
27:35 – The Evolution of Grenache: Perception and Future
29:55 – Exploring Other Varieties: Grenache Blanc and More
31:59 – Quickfire Questions: 

 

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, leave a review, and share it with others who love Australian wine.

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In this episode of the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, recorded the morning after the 2026 Halliday Awards, Anna Webster sits down with Vasse Felix’s chief winemaker Virginia Willcock over a strong coffee to discuss her latest accolade, Winemaker of the Year. Virginia reflects on her remarkable career in the wine industry, shares the stories behind iconic wines such as Tom Cullity and Heytesbury Chardonnay, and details the evolution of her winemaking practices and the role of terroir in shaping exceptional wines. Virginia also highlights her passion for sustainability, the importance of community, and her aspirations for the future of Margaret River winemaking.

Connect with us:

Vasse Felix

Vasse Felix on Instagram

Halliday Wine Companion

Halliday Wine Companion on Instagram

Halliday Wine Club

Buy the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion

LANGTONS

LANGTONS on Instagram

Key Takeaways

• Virginia Willcock reflects on a week filled with awards and recognition
• Wine is rooted in community, culture, and connection
• Margaret River’s terroir is central to producing outstanding wines
• Vasse Felix has undergone major evolution since Virginia joined in 2006
• Natural winemaking practices bring out authenticity and quality
• The story of Tom Cullity is intertwined with Vasse Felix’s history
• Heytesbury Chardonnay showcases Margaret River’s finest expression
• Sustainability is a core focus for the future of the winery
• Virginia’s passion for wine is evident in every stage of her journey
• Sharing the story of Margaret River globally remains a key mission
  
  

Episode Chapters00:00 – Winning Winemaker of the Year
02:09 – Virginia Willcock: A Winemaker's Journey
05:45 – The Unique Terroir of Margaret River
08:58 – Evolution of Vasse Felix
11:59 – Natural Winemaking Practices
14:57 – The Story Behind Tom Cullity
17:49 – The Heytesbury Chardonnay
20:53 – Future Aspirations and Sustainability
24:06 – Quickfire Questions and Personal Insights

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Step onto the auction floor with Michael Anderson, Head of Auctions at LANGTONS, and discover how rare bottles move from cellar to gavel. We unpack the do’s and don’ts of bidding, reveal the labels that keep climbing in value, and hear Michael’s personal journey from hospitality to helming Australia’s biggest fine-wine marketplace. Whether you buy to drink, invest, or simply daydream, this chat demystifies the world of wine auctions so you can bid (or sell) with confidence.

Connect with us:

LANGTONS

LANGTONS on Instagram

Halliday Wine Companion

Wine Companion on Instagram

Halliday Wine Club

 

Key Takeaways

• The founding of LANGTONS and how Australia’s auction scene has matured
• Red flags that signal a corked, heat-affected or otherwise damaged bottle
• Proven investment staples: Penfolds Grange, Wendouree, Burgundy grands crus and more
• Market shifts after COVID-era cellaring booms
• Michael’s tips for first-time bidders: set your ceiling, read condition reports, phone a specialist
• Career lessons from pouring glasses to commanding the hammer
  
  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to LANGTONS’ Auctions

02:04 Michael's Journey into the Wine World

03:30 A Day in the Life of a Head of Auctions

04:25 Understanding the Auction Process

09:17 Assessing Wine Condition and Quality

14:12 Market Pricing and Trends

16:31 Diverse Buyer Preferences

18:18 Finding Bargains in the Wine Market

24:57 Investment Wines and Speculation

27:00 The Secondary Market Dynamics

30:23 Surprising Sales and Unique Collections

38:09 Dealing with Fraudulent Wines

42:20 Quickfire Questions with Michael

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, respected wine critic and educator Philip Rich reflects on his decades-long journey through the Australian and global wine landscape. Drawing on his early days in wine retail, including co-founding Prince Wine Store, Philip shares insights into the evolution of wine knowledge and the challenges of modern wine sourcing. He unpacks what makes Burgundy so compelling, the nuances of pinot noir, and the delicate balance required in curating a successful wine list. The conversation is rich with personal stories, professional learnings, and thoughtful observations on tasting and judging wine in different contexts. 

Connect with us:

• Philip Rich on Instagram
• About Philip Rich
• Wine Companion on Instagram
• Halliday Wine Companion
• Halliday Wine Club
• LANGTONS

Key Takeaways:

• Philip Rich began his wine career in the early 1980s at Crittendens Fine Wine Merchants.
  
  
• Over time, wine professionals and consumers have become significantly more informed.
  
  
• Restaurant wine lists are now considered just as important as the food menu.
  
  
• Sourcing wine has become increasingly difficult due to market and production shifts.
  
  
• Burgundy is revered for its clear expression of terroir, particularly through pinot noir.
  
  
• Wine buying requires an understanding of both consumer tastes and industry trends.
  
  
• A strong wine list balances customer satisfaction with profitability.
  
  
• Wine shows now serve as marketing platforms and provide critical feedback for producers.
  
  
• Effective wine tasting involves both sensory skill and situational context.
  
  
• Vertical tastings and personal experiences deepen wine understanding.
  
  

Chapters:
00:00 Philip Rich's Journey into the Wine Industry
03:00 Evolution of Wine Knowledge and Industry Changes
06:05 Sourcing Wines: Past vs Present
09:02 The Allure of Burgundy
12:04 Pinot Noir: A Unique Expression of Terroir
14:59 The Role of a Wine Buyer
17:52 Creating a Balanced Wine List
22:03 Judging Wines: Show vs Review
24:48 The Impact of Wine Shows on Producers
27:46 Tasting Mechanics and Wine Education
31:44 Personal Wine Preferences and Experiences

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first episode of the new and improved Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, Halliday editor and host Anna Webster speaks with Melanie Chester, head winemaker at Giant Steps in the Yarra Valley. We celebrate Giant Steps being named the 2025 Winery of the Year, discuss the importance of terroir, and the inspiration behind the new Circle of Fifths range. Mel also shares insights into wine judging, the art of blending, and how music plays a role in their winemaking process. The episode closes with a look at quality control, future plans for Giant Steps, and a rapid-fire segment on Mel’s personal wine preferences.

Connect with us:

• Giant Steps
• Halliday Wine Companion Awards
• Circle of Fifths Wine Range
• Giant Steps on Instagram
• LANGTONS
• Wine Companion on Instagram
• Halliday Wine Companion
  
  

Key Takeaways

• Melanie Chester’s journey from South Australia to the Yarra Valley
• Giant Steps winning Winery of the Year 2025
• Judging experience as a tool for refining winemaking skills
• The role of terroir in shaping Yarra Valley wines
• Circle of Fifths as a celebration of single vineyard wines
• Blending as both a creative and technical process
• Music as a unique part of Giant Steps' winemaking philosophy
• The difference between single-vineyard wines and blends
• The importance of quality control at every stage of production
• Giant Steps’ plans for vineyard expansion and future growth
  
  

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast
00:52 – Melanie Chester's Journey in Winemaking
02:21 – Winning Winery of the Year: Giant Steps' Achievement
05:10 – The Role of Judging Experience in Winemaking
07:00 – Understanding Terroir: The Unique Vineyards of Yarra Valley
10:09 – The Circle of Fifths: A New Wine Range
13:59 – The Art of Blending Wines
18:21 – The Influence of Music in Winemaking
20:09 – Single Vineyard vs Blended Wines
23:02 – Tasting and Quality Control in Winemaking
26:24 – Future Aspirations for Giant Steps
32:15 – Quickfire Questions with Melanie Chester

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, leave a review, and share it with fellow wine enthusiasts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Halliday Wine Companion 'By the Glass' EP 17: Rowly Milhinch, Scion, Rutherglen

Rutherglen is one of Australia's oldest wine regions.

Grapevines came to the region in the 1850s during the gold rush and Rutherglen, as many of you will already know, became Australia's unchallenged capital of fortified wines.

The future of regions like Rutherglen rely heavily on either new blood moving in or subsequent generations, from existing wine families, continuing to carry those legacies into the future.

Rowland Milhinch, known as Rowly about town, is a descendant of George Francis Morris - one of Australia's pioneering vignerons of the mid 19th century.

Formerly a graphic designer - Rowly applied his creative mind to the art of wine making and is now, arguably, one of the most progressive and playful wine makers in the region.

To chat about the importance of new age thinking...in regions steeped heavily in tradition....please welcome Rowly. 

Any thoughts or suggestions for upcoming episodes? Please email us at [email protected] and don't forget to follow Halliday Wine Companion over on instagram here.

Want to know what wine we were drinking? 

• Scion After Dark Rutherglen Durif 2018

Looking for a little more wine inspiration?

For more information on Australian wines and wineries, including tasting notes, head over to winecompanion.com.au.

Interested in becoming a Halliday Wine Companion member? Click here.

Hardie Grant acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the country on which we work, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation and the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, and recognises their continuing connection to the land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Support the show: https://www.winecompanion.com.au/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Halliday Wine Companion 'By the Glass' EP 16: Nick Brown, All Saints, Rutherglen

Today I am in Rutherglen in Victoria’s Northeast and I am joined by a descendant of wine royalty.

Nick Brown from All Saints Estate.

If the last name hasn’t given it away, Nick has lived and breathed wine his whole life, spending his childhood running about the cellars of his family winery Brown Brothers in Milawa.

And while he initially started off pursuing a career in geological engineering, he thankfully found his way back into wine.

Now, today’s area of focus is Muscat. And Muscat of Rutherglen is an Australian treasure.

Knowledge that has been passed down through generations, with a history spanning over 100 years of family winemaking.

Muscat is rich, complex, intense and pairs exceptionally well with savoury dishes, through to full flavoured cheeses and desserts.

Please welcome, Nick. 

Any thoughts or suggestions for upcoming episodes? Please email us at [email protected] and don't forget to follow Halliday Wine Companion over on instagram here.

Want to know what wine we were drinking? 

• All Saints Estate Museum Rutherglen Muscat Non Vintage

Looking for a little more wine inspiration?

For more information on Australian wines and wineries, including tasting notes, head over to winecompanion.com.au.

Interested in becoming a Halliday Wine Companion member? Click here.

Hardie Grant acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the country on which we work, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation and the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, and recognises their continuing connection to the land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Support the show: https://www.winecompanion.com.au/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Halliday Wine Companion 'By the Glass' EP 15: Daniel Tokar, Tokar Estate, Yarra Valley

Today we are talking all things Tempranillo! 

There’s no denying it’s the signature wine grape of Spain, and a very very old one at that…dating back to 1100 BC.

There are about 500 clones of Tempranillo in Spain alone, and it is not only one of the world’s most planted grape varieties, it’s one of the most expanded varieties globally. Meaning it’s on the increase.

Daniel Tokar, from Tokar Estate in Victoria’s Yarra Valley has been surrounded by this variety since his parents established the winery in 1995.

A chef by trade, Daniel provides an interesting perspective on this very old and much loved variety. Please welcome, Dan. 

Any thoughts or suggestions for upcoming episodes? Please email us at [email protected] and don't forget to follow Halliday Wine Companion over on instagram here.

Want to know what wine we were drinking? 

• Tokar Estate Amphora Special Release Yarra Valley Tempranillo 2019

Looking for a little more wine inspiration?

For more information on Australian wines and wineries, including tasting notes, head over to winecompanion.com.au.

Interested in becoming a Halliday Wine Companion member? Click here.

Hardie Grant acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the country on which we work, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation and the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, and recognises their continuing connection to the land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Support the show: https://www.winecompanion.com.au/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Halliday Wine Companion 'By the Glass' EP 14: Dylan McMahon, Seville Estate, Yarra Valley. 

Join me as I sit down with Dylan McMahon from Seville Estate in Victoria's Yarra Valley to reflect on the last two years. From his greatest learnings, to the moments that shaped Seville Estate as a business. Dylan candidly discusses what life was like running a business during one of the most difficult periods in history, the COVID-19 global pandemic. 

Seville Estate was established in 1972 and has a diverse offering from accommodation, to events, an on-site restaurant, and of course, a cellar door where you can try all of their beautiful wines.

Dylan McMahon is the grandson of Peter and Margaret, the founders of Seville, and he is now the chief winemaker here at the estate.

So who better to chat with on the highs and lows of 2020/21, please welcome Dylan. 

Want to know what wine we were drinking? 

• Seville Estate Yarra Valley Shiraz 2019

• Seville Estate Old Vine Reserve Yarra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
• Seville Estate Single Vineyard Series Seville Pinot Noir 2020

Any thoughts or suggestions for upcoming episodes? Please email us at [email protected] and don't forget to follow Halliday Wine Companion over on instagram here.

Looking for a little more wine inspiration?

For more information on Australian wines and wineries, including tasting notes, head over to winecompanion.com.au.

Interested in becoming a Halliday Wine Companion member? Click here.

Hardie Grant acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the country on which we work, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation and the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, and recognises their continuing connection to the land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

 

Support the show: https://www.winecompanion.com.au/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.