Australia's First Families of Wine
Who Are They? Why Are the Wines Exceptional?
I am planning a trip to Australia/New Zealand in conjunction with the quadrennial Masters of Wine Symposium, Nov. 2026. It will be exciting to visit Australia’s First Families of Wine. In the meantime, getting to know these wine families in more detail will be a pleasure. I first discovered them at a trade tasting in Dallas in 2019 and have been enamored with the wines since that time. See Wine Recommendations below. Plan to visit their “Cellar Doors” as they call the tasting rooms on your next trip Down Under.
What is Australia’s First Families of Wine - AFFW?
In 2009, ten of the oldest family-owned, multi-generational wine businesses came together to form Australia’s First Families of Wine. But why would a consumer or connoisseur of wine care? As these families collaborate on the Next Generation of wines, they share thinking and innovation underpinned by a rootstock of history and a drive towards exceptional quality. Additionally, navigating the export business in today’s “tariff-laden environment,” especially the China market, can be tricky. Collaboration and shared knowledge can be a key to success of the now 12 members of AFFW.
“The forty-eight generations of collective experience that unite Australia’s First Families of Wine, become our most valuable assets…As custodians of our lands and pioneers in our field, we are pointed to continue elevating Australian wine on the world stage, ensuring that our traditions and quality will endure for generations to come.” - 8th Chair of AFFW, Chester Osborn
Who are the Families?
There is a six-part series video series produced by Melbourne Community Television which profiled the AFFW families, called “The Halliday Cellar Door.” What a joy to see these families’ ancient vineyards and understand their history.
Brown Brothers Family Winemakers, King Valley, North Eastern Victoria, have been making wine for 127 years. Since 1889 Their 3rd and 4th generation family members are known for crafting their Patricia legacy of wines in celebration of the matriarchal heritage. The wines range from Cabernet Sauvignon to Pinot Noir to Chardonnay. The Refreshingly Light brands celebrate Pinot Grigio, dry Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, and Prosecco.
Campbells of Rutherglen, North East Victoria, a 145 winemaking family, specializes in a world class fortified wine portfolio including Topaques and Muscats. Their dry table wines feature aromatic whites and robust reds including labels like Bobbie Burns Shiraz and The Barkly Durif.
d’Arenberg, McLaren Vale, South Australia, is housed in the d’Arenberg Cube, and this 1912-founded winery and the Osborn family likes the moniker “the Art of Being Different.” Try their helicopter ride over the Cube property experience or eat at d’Arry’s Verandah Restaurant. With wine names like the Shiraz Viognier “The Laughing Magpie,” the Shiraz “The Dead Arm,” and the Chardonnay, “The Lucky Lizard,” you get the picture. The quality tells the real story.
Henschke, Eden Valley, South Australia, planted their first vineyard in the 1860’s. The fifth-generation winemakers make exceptional wines. It was my “best of tasting” at the Dallas “Wine of Australia” trade tasting, September of 2019, and I promised to visit them when I attend the Master of Wine Symposium in 2026. The “Hill of Grace” Shiraz can run up to $756, and has one of the most velvety, elegant finishes of any Shiraz in memory. Don’t forget to try the Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon, Grenache, and Pinot Gris, too.
Howard Park Wines, Margaret River and Great Southern, Western Australia, has a 30-year history and an architecturally awarded Cellar Door in Margaret River, one of Australia’s most prominent wine regions. Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Shiraz as well as Méthode Traditionnelle sparkling wines stand out here. The sparkling has been highly awarded at Wine World Championships in London.
Jim Barry Wines, Clare Valley, South Australia, was established in 1959. This is a benchmark winery in the world of Riesling. All their varietal options are equally impressive including The Armagh Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, 9 special Rieslings, and even an Assyrtiko, not often found outside of Greece.
Tahbilk, Central Victoria, was established in 1860. They have a long history of producing fine wines with the help of the local ferric-oxide rich soils. The gems are the “1860 Vines Shiraz” and Rhone varietals like Marsanne, Viognier and Roussanne garnering high points in many wine journals. Join them for an immersive experience including a wine tasting, a visit to their museum, and a dinner at the Tahbilk Estate Restaurant.
Taylor’s, Clare Valley, South Australia, is a third generation “old world-style” estate that has been recognized as “Australia’s Most Awarded Winery” (WAWW 2016). These fine wines include “The Legacy” 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, $1000, and other superior wines like the St. Andrew’s property Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Riesling, all highly rated. When you visit the Taylor Cellar Door plan for a tasting and a visit to their Sculpture collection, too.
Tyrrell’s, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, and Heathcote, Victoria, has these dual locations and is headed up by fourth and fifth generation winemakers. Tyrrrell’s is home to some of Australia’s most lauded wine including the iconic Vat 1 Sémillon, the most awarded white wine in Australia. They also feature Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Yalumba Family Winemakers, Eden Valley, South Australia is one of the most influential producers of Viognier in the world. Established in 1849 this winery has its own on-site cooperage, with full control over the quality of the oak barrels used. Don’t miss the Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz blends such as the 2014 The Caley Museum Release, or 2009 The Octavius Museum Release. Grenache, Grenache Blanc, Chardonnay, and Roussanne round out their portfolio. Multiple tasting experiences are offered lasting 2-4 hours each.
Best’s Great Western, Victoria, was established in 1866 and is celebrated for its focus on Shiraz. Other notable wine varietals include Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Dolcetto. This boutique producer is a 5-Star rated winery and recently named “Halliday’s Best Value Winery of the Year.”
Clonakilla, Canberra, was established in 1971 by Irish research scientist, John Kirk. The Shiraz Viognier, Riesling, and Pinot Noir are stand-out wines. The Shiraz Viognier has been rated as one of only 22 Exceptional-rated wines in Australia. Located only 45 minutes from Canberra and three hours from Sydney, it may be easy to visit their cellar door on your next trip to Australia.
Thank you to Associate Editor, Wendy Hatfield, for your thoughtful additions.
To Learn More: Read “Australia’s First Families of Wine” by Richard Allen and Kimbal Baker, $60 on Amazon.
Australia’s First Families Wine Recommendations
2018 d’Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz, McLaren Vale, South Australia, $70
Wine Enthusiast, 92 Points
2019 Yalumba The Virgilius Eden Valley Viognier, Eden Valley, Barossa, South Australia, $53
Robert Parker, 93 Points
2023 Tyrrell’s Hunter Valley Semillon, New South Wales, Australia, $23
Robert Parker, 91 Points.
2021 Henschke Henry’s Seven, Barossa, South Australia, Rhone Red Blend, $47
Wine Enthusiast, 95 Points
2018 Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz, Clare Valley, South Australia, $240
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