The Vincast - a wine podcast with The Intrepid Wino

Alex Head discovered a love and fascination of wine whilst studying sciences at Sydney University. After travelling on a gastronomic journey across Europe he was hooked. Many years were spent in iconic Sydney wine retail, before a tenure at Langton’s. This experience led a sea-change to the Barossa where he eventually established Head Wines. In the past almost ten years he was forged a reputation for producing some of the most exciting wines in the region, particularly those from Rhone Valley varieties.​

Dan Buckle is no slouch when it comes to winemaking, gaining experience at some of the most awarded wineries in Victoria. Having worked for Yering Station & Mount Langi Ghiran he joined Domaine Chandon Australia as the Chief Winemaker several years ago, breathing new life into their sparkling and still wines. Honouring his original entry into wine as a teenager, he also produces some of his own wines from the Mornington Peninsula under the Circe brand. He joins me on this episode of the podcast to chat about his journey.

Dan Buckle is no slouch when it comes to winemaking, gaining experience at some of the most awarded wineries in Victoria. Having worked for Yering Station & Mount Langi Ghiran he joined Domaine Chandon Australia as the Chief Winemaker several years ago, breathing new life into their sparkling and still wines. Honouring his original entry into wine as a teenager, he also produces some of his own wines from the Mornington Peninsula under the Circe brand. He joins me on this episode of the podcast to chat about his journey.

Patrick Sullivan is one of the most exciting young winemakers in Victoria, and the type of wines he is producing are dramatically changing the discussion about what is wine, what is Australian wine, and what is quality Australian wine. He has recently bought land in West Gippsland and will eventually become the vigneron (both growing the grapes and making the wines) he has so long wanted to be. On this episode he chats about his experiences and philosophies, and why a winemaking degree didn't really help him much.​

Patrick Sullivan is one of the most exciting young winemakers in Victoria, and the type of wines he is producing are dramatically changing the discussion about what is wine, what is Australian wine, and what is quality Australian wine. He has recently bought land in West Gippsland and will eventually become the vigneron (both growing the grapes and making the wines) he has so long wanted to be. On this episode he chats about his experiences and philosophies, and why a winemaking degree didn’t really help him much.​

Mario Marson has worked in vineyards in Australia for many years, and has been a champion for high quality grapes making high quality wines. When he decided to plant his own vineyard, he chose to do so in the Victorian region of Heathcote, and he chose to plant some grape varieties that were close to his family heritage in Italy. His Vinea Marson wines were some of the first to show how high quality wines from alternative grapes could be achieved in Australia, and today are highly sought after by a market that is embracing difference.​

Mario Marson has worked in vineyards in Australia for many years, and has been a champion for high quality grapes making high quality wines. When he decided to plant his own vineyard, he chose to do so in the Victorian region of Heathcote, and he chose to plant some grape varieties that were close to his family heritage in Italy. His Vinea Marson wines were some of the first to show how high quality wines from alternative grapes could be achieved in Australia, and today are highly sought after by a market that is embracing difference.​

On part-two of this special episode of The Vincast, I chat with Damon Koerner. Damon’s family have been growing grapes in the Clare Valley in South Australia for many years, and have their own vineyard in Watervale. Damon and his younger brother have recently started to make wine under the Koerner brand, drawing on Damon’s extensive experience in vineyards & wineries all over the world, and his degree from the University of Adelaide. Make sure to listen to Part A of this episode to hear from Josh Cooper from Cobaw Ridge.

On part-one of this special episode of The Vincast, I’m joined by Josh Cooper. Josh’s family established Cobaw Ridge in the Macedon Ranges the same year he was born, at a time when growing grapes for wine was pretty risky in such a cool climate. They found great success with their wines, particularly after converting to biodynamics. Josh spent time studying viticulture and winemaking at Adelaide University, and in the past few years has not stopped, working vintages in Australia and Europe. Recently he has started a few local projects of his own, making some left-of-centre styles that are turning a few heads.​

Jeni Port is without question one of the most respected wine communicators in Australia. Not only is she the longest running contributor to The Age Epicure lift-out, she has written articles about wine for numerous other publications including Gourmet Traveller Wine, Wine Companion, Winestate and Wine Selector. Her passion is undeniable, particularly for women in wine and Victorian marsanne. She shares her experience and wisdom on this episode of The Vincast.​