8 Wines You’ll Want in Your
Glass Before the Year Ends
If there’s one thing we love around here, it’s a wine recommendation with a bit of personality — and a great woman behind it.
So as 2025 draws to a close, here are eight bottles that have delighted, impressed, or outright stopped us (and you!) in our tracks this year. These are the wines that wowed our members and guests at events and on (our Australian) wine tours. The ones you asked us about the most, or bought the most of.
Top up your glass. Let’s dive in.
1. Oliver’s Taranga Fiano
Fiano is having a moment! But there are Fianos… and then there is Corrina Wright’s Fiano.
Corrina was one of the earliest adopters of this variety in the Vale and has waved the Fiano flag louder and prouder than anyone. She even launched the first-ever International Fiano Day this year — yes, she made it a thing. And we adore her for it. (Mark it in your calendar for next year, Friday 16 October.)
The wine itself is all citrus brightness, pear, white nectarine and that savoury, textural hum that makes Fiano so irresistible.
Why it deserves your attention:
- Pioneering Fiano producer in Australia
- Corrina created International Fiano Day this year.
- A beautifully versatile, characterful white for your table.
2. Orbis Wines Nero d’Avola
Sustainability-driven, women-led, and now officially award-winning — Orbis’ Nero 2024 vintage has had a huge year. It just took out Best Alternative Red at the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show, which is no small feat.
Juicy dark cherry, spice, lush tannins and a gorgeous lift of acidity make this Nero both plush and seriously drinkable.
Why it deserves your attention:
- Winner: Best Alternative Red 2025 – Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show.
- A modern, vibrant, juicy expression of Nero d’Avola.
3. Paracombe Wines ‘Plateau Blanc’ Sparkling NV
Elegant, bright, and quietly confident — the kind of sparkling you open “just because” and immediately feel quite pleased with yourself.
At Paracombe, it was Kathy Drogemuller who pushed for this wine to be made and it’s brand new to their portfolio this year. It’s a 100% Pinot Blanc traditional method sparkling that reflects their high, cool Adelaide Hills site in a beautifully pure, delicate way. Think citrus blossom, green apple and fine, persistent bubbles.
Why it deserves your attention:
- It’s unusual! Turning Pinot Blanc into a sparkling wine is rare
- Refined, crisp and wonderfully food-friendly.
- Ideal for aperitif hour… or any hour, frankly.
4. Teakle Wines Riesling
Riesling lovers, this one’s for you. Bright citrus, clean lines and beautiful purity – it’s the kind of Riesling that feels effortlessly precise rather than showy. And it’s from the emerging wine region of Port Lincoln! Who knew?! What amazing promise this region holds.
At Teakle, winemaker Liz Heidenreich is an absolute master of Riesling. Her approach is all about balance and detail: crisp acidity, purity of fruit and a finish that just keeps going.
Why it deserves your attention:
- Crafted by Liz Heidenreich, known as a riesling specialist!
- A beautifully focused, pure expression of riesling.
- Perfect for anyone who loves their whites zesty, dry, refined and age-worthy.
5. Pizzini ‘Pietra Rossa’ Sangiovese
If you want to understand why the Pizzini family has become synonymous with Italian varieties in Australia, start here. The Pietra Rossa (which means ‘red stone’ in Italian) is savoury, structured and deliciously alive — red cherry, earthiness, and those wonderfully supple tannins sangiovese lovers chase.
And yes, this is proudly a women-in-wine story too. Natalie Pizzini is influencing wine styles and deepening the family’s Italian-Australian legacy.
Why it deserves your attention:
- Consistently ranked among the country’s top Sangioveses.
- A perfect red for long lunches and shared plates. Especially Italian feasts!
6. The Cutting ‘The Outlier’ Cinsault
Cinsault is still a genuine rarity here, and that’s exactly what makes this wine so exciting. ‘The Outlier’ is bright, juicy and aromatic, with red fruits and spice, and it absolutely sings with a gentle chill. (Pop it in the fridge for an hour before serving.)
Behind it is Belinda Van Eyssen, winemaker and owner at The Cutting, crafting characterful, contemporary styles that feel totally at home in the modern Barossa.
Why it deserves your attention:
- Cinsault is still unusual here — this is something genuinely different (and delicious!
- Made by Belinda Van Eyssen, winemaker and owner.
- A brilliant “chillable red” that still has real interest and detail.
7. Springs Road KI Chardonnay
Springs Road is all about capturing Kangaroo Island’s unique coastal character, and this Chardonnay does exactly that: citrus and stonefruit with subtle oak and a lovely saline line that whispers of sea air.
Springs Road is made by Bosworth Wines, where Louise Hemsley-Smith is co-owner. Her role is central to the broader Bosworth/Springs Road story — organic vineyards, thoughtful winemaking and a strong sense of place.
Why it deserves your attention:
- A distinctive island Chardonnay with beautiful finesse.
- Another wine brand from Louise Hemsley-Smith, co-owner of Bosworth Wines.
- A must for Chardonnay lovers who enjoy elegance over excess.
8. Levrier Meslier Sparkling Brut Rosé NV
Meslier is practically extinct in Champagne and yet it’s one of the almost-forgotten traditional sparkling varieties that’s allowed to be grown there. But you can find it in the Barossa thanks to Levrier Wines! Made into a delicately pale, quietly complex Brut Rosé.
At Levrier (which means ‘Greyhound’ in French), Jo Irvine is both owner and winemaker, and this wine is a perfect example of her skill and curiosity. It’s refined, detailed and just that little bit different — which we love. Plus a percentage of all wine sales from Levrier goes to greyhound rescue.
Why it deserves your attention:
- One of the only meslier-based rosés produced
- Levrier has earned significant attention for reviving this heritage grape.
- A unicorn wine for collectors and enthusiasts.
- Perfect for when you want something elegant and conversation-starting!
Final Sip
I hope you find something here that sparks your curiosity or earns a place on your table this festive season! If you do, I’d genuinely love to hear what you think — discovering great wines together is one of my favourite parts of this community.
Cheers to great wines and the women who make them possible!
Jane xx
P.S. We receive no kickbacks or any affiliate payments if you buy these wines. These are genuine recommendations!