A South Australian Wine Tour curated by Jared Brown.
Barossa Valley
The Vibe
A place where the reds are deep, the vines are old, and everyone’s nan has a Shiraz opinion. Barossa’s legacy is big and bold, but a new generation is finding grace in the power and detail in the density. Tradition runs deep here, but it’s not stuck in the past.
Classic Pick
Kaesler – The Bogan Shiraz 2021: Dense, dark and dripping with Barossa swagger. Classic in the best sense of the word.
One to Watch
Sven Joschke – Das Klaus Syrah 2022: A sleeker, finer-grained Barossa Syrah with cool spice and lifted fruit. A quiet rethink of a big red staple.
McLaren Vale
The Vibe
It’s the only wine region where you can crush grapes in the morning and catch a wave by lunch. Laid-back but dialled-in, McLaren Vale does Grenache and Mediterranean varieties like it’s second nature.
Classic Pick
Samuel’s Gorge – Grenache 2023: Soft tannins, ripe red fruit and gentle earthiness. Honest, soulful Grenache from one of the originals.
One to Watch
Ministry of Clouds – Grenache 2023: Juicy and lithe with wild herbs and fine detail. A vibrant, modern take that still feels grounded.
Adelaide Hills
The Vibe
Cool in climate and attitude. This is where the lo-fi crowd took root; mineral driven Chardonnay, layered Pinot, and winemakers who’d rather be in the vineyard than the spotlight. High altitude, high creativity, and a bit of wild energy in every bottle.
Classic Pick
Shaw + Smith – M3 Chardonnay: Bright citrus, white stone fruit and subtle oak. Polished with just the right amount of seriousness.
One to Watch
Gentle Folk – Village Pinot Noir: Fresh, fine and quietly complex. A winemaker’s wine that’s easy to love.
Clare Valley
The Vibe
Riesling rules here, but Clare has more range than it gets credit for. It’s rugged, a little remote, and full of charm. The whites are sharp. The reds are bright. There’s a quiet confidence to the whole place. No fuss, just flavour.
Classic Pick
Jim Barry – The Florita Riesling 2024: Lime, crunch, slate and longevity. A Clare classic that stays razor-sharp.
One to Watch
Koerner – Mammolo Sciacarello 2023: Lifted red fruit, light grip, and pure drinkability. A Mediterranean outlier that makes perfect sense in Clare.
Coonawarra
The Vibe
Cabernet country. Flat as a board, lined with terra rossa soil, and serious about structure. But there’s a shift happening; new varieties, looser styles, and winemakers taking a few more risks. Still classic, just less rigid.
Classic Pick
Balnaves – Chardonnay 2024: Zippy citrus, creamy texture, and subtle toast. A white that proves Coonawarra isn’t a one-variety show.
One to Watch
Bloomfield – Petit Verdot 2024: Wild red berries, blackcurrant and boysenberry with a flash of herbs. Slurpable, gamey with enough structure to prove it was made with a steady hand.
Eden Valley
The Vibe
Barossa’s quieter, cooler sibling. A little higher up, a little more restrained. Known for fine-boned Riesling and elegant, peppery Shiraz…but don’t sleep on the whites. There’s a calm precision here that we love.
Classic Pick
Henschke – Mount Edelstone Shiraz 2021: Long, layered and legendary. All the finesse and force you’d expect from an icon.
One to Watch
Edenflo – Roussanne: Golden-hued and gently spiced, with a waxy texture and soft apricot lift. A slower white that rewards your attention.
Limestone Coast / Mount Gambier
The Vibe
Down south and off the radar. Cool-climate wine with volcanic bones. There’s energy, edge, and a wild streak running through it all. Mount Gambier feels like the start of something; young minds, crazy soils, and bottles full of intent.
Classic Pick
Wangolina – Lagrein 2021: Bold, dark and broody with a splash of violet. Rustic charm with polish on the edges.
One to Watch
Good Intentions Wine Co – Pinot Noir 2024: Volcanic soils, whole bunches and natural energy. A wine that sings with sour cherries, amaro herbs and black tea tannin.
Sometimes Always is a South Australian online wine store with a serious knack for picking the good stuff. They bring together a sharp, handpicked mix of premium drops; think boutique labels, cult small-batch producers, and hard-to-find gems from Australia and beyond. With a fresh, no-fuss take on wine retail, Sometimes Always is all about discovery, delivering standout bottles straight to your door without the usual wine snobbery.
