The Wine Animal Show

In this episode, we head into the Yarra Valley to sit down with cult producer Shaun Crinion of Dappled Wines . Known for crafting some of the best value Chardonnay in Australia — and for releasing some of the most talked-about Pinot Noir in the region — Shaun has quietly earned a reputation as one of the country’s most exciting boutique winemakers. We explore the philosophy behind Dappled Wines, w...

This episode takes a no-nonsense look at one of Australia’s most iconic wines: Giaconda Chardonnay . Four of us sit down with three different vintages and let the conversation unfold naturally — bold opinions, unexpected favourites, and a fair bit of chaos included. It’s an honest, unfiltered tasting that cuts through the hype and gets to the heart of what makes Giaconda so revered. Whether you’re...

This week on Wine Animal , we sit down with Doug Neal to demystify one of the most influential elements in winemaking: oak. It’s a topic many wine lovers hear about, yet few fully understand. Doug breaks down the differences between French and American oak, how barrels shape aroma, flavour and texture, and the impact oak has on a wine’s ageing potential. Whether you’re a casual drinker, an emergin...

Comfort zones disappear quickly when JJ is involved. Cabernet has never been my go-to grape, but this tasting might be the one that changes everything. In this episode, we dive into a line-up of Margaret River Cabernet that showcases why Western Australia continues to shape conversations around world-class wine. Recorded at Lamont’s Cottesloe, it’s a full Cabernet immersion with one of the sharpes...

The Yarra Valley wasn’t always the land of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. For decades, Cabernet Sauvignon held the crown — with iconic producers like Mount Mary, Yarra Yering and St Huberts defining the region. But the landscape has shifted dramatically, and the numbers from the past seven vintages (2018–2024) tell a very different story. In this episode, we break down how the grape crush data has cha...

From the global spotlight of SOMM TV to the quiet rhythm of farming in Northern California, Rajat Parr has lived one of the wine world’s most fascinating arcs. In this episode, we sit down for a cross-continental conversation about wine, media, craftsmanship and the return to working the soil. Rajat reflects on his journey from sommelier to vintner, the influence of television on wine culture, and...

In this episode, Alex Rouget takes us from the vineyards of Burgundy to the evolving wine landscape in Australia, sharing a rare perspective shaped by deep heritage and hands-on experience. With a family legacy rooted in Burgundy, Alex explores how wine is far more than a drink — it’s a lifestyle built on history, culture, and community. We discuss the importance of provenance, the role of relatio...

In this episode, we dive into Margaret River Chardonnay with a pairing many listeners have been waiting for — Brenden and John Jens , known across the industry simply as JJ. Recorded at the iconic Lamont’s Cottesloe, this conversation brings together experience, insight, strong opinions, and plenty of laughter. We explore why the 2023 Margaret River vintage is already being hailed as one of the re...

Hentley Farm is more than another Barossa Valley winery. It’s a study in longevity, legacy, and the philosophy behind some of Australia’s boldest and most expressive Shiraz. In this episode, we sit down with winemaker Andrew Quin to explore the craft, the region, and the mindset required to create wines that stand the test of time. It’s a straight, honest conversation about winemaking in the Baros...

In this episode, we head into the heart of the Yarra Valley for an in-depth conversation at De Bortoli Wines with legendary winemaker Steve Webber and rising talent Jai Harrop . We explore the vineyards and cellar, discuss the evolution of Australian wine, and dig into the philosophies shaping the next generation of winemakers. From concrete vats to shifting styles, changing palates, and the futur...

Seville Estate sits in the heart of the Yarra Valley and has long been known for producing elegant, characterful wines alongside a restaurant that’s become a destination in its own right. In this episode, we sit down with Head Winemaker Dom Valentine to talk through Vintage 2025 — what he’s seeing in the vineyards, how the season is shaping up, and what wine lovers can expect from Seville Estate i...

Welcome to the very first episode of The Wine Animal Show — your new home for real, unpretentious conversations about wine, the people who make it, and the stories behind every bottle. Each episode takes you into vineyards, cellars, and honest chats with winemakers across Australia and beyond. No jargon. No snobbery. Just good wine and great stories. In this debut episode, we’re finding our rhythm...