Masterclass – Rub of the Green

Sustainable viticulture has traditionally been outside Australian wine’s wheelhouse. Those passionate about it were considered quirky; mainstream brands stuck with what they knew.

Steadily but surely, though, there has been a shift.

We’ve gathered the nation’s top experts in organic, biodynamic and regenerative grape-growing for a masterclass focusing on best practice and beyond. Hosted by wine and drinks writer Max Allen, it will feature Dylan Grigg, Richard Leask, Stephanie Toole, Irina Santiago-Brown and James Erskine – South Australians who hold numerous degrees and doctorates for their fascinating work in the field.

The Barossa-based Grigg has been a viticulture consultant since 2008 and today combines work across Australia and around the world with management of Vinya Vella, his own small vineyard.

Leask – recipient of the 2019 Nuffield Scholarship for Regenerative Agriculture – is vigneron and winemaker at Adelaide Hills label Hither & Yon.

Toole purchased Mount Horrocks Wines in the early 90s, building her business into one of the Clare Valley’s most respected brands.

McLaren Vale is home to Santiago-Brown, a world-renowned sustainability consultant who runs Inkwell Wines with her husband Dudley Brown.

Erskine, meanwhile, was among Australia’s leading sommeliers before leaving to craft pithy, natural-leaning McLaren Vale grenache, a quest that evolved into his label Jauma.

Discover how the science and specificity brought to winemaking are also revolutionising what happens in the vineyard.