Halliday Wine Companion

• Philip Rich reveals what it’s really like to be a wine critic, and why Burgundy has his heart | Halliday Tasting Team

  In this episode of the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, respected wine critic and educator Philip Rich reflects on his decades-long journey through the Australian and global wine landscape. Drawing on his early days in wine retail, including co-founding Prince Wine Store, Philip shares insights into the evolution of wine knowledge and the challenges of modern wine sourcing. He unpacks what makes Burgundy so compelling, the nuances of pinot noir, and the delicate balance required in curating a successful wine list. The conversation is rich with personal stories, professional learnings, and thoughtful observations on tasting and judging wine in different contexts. Connect with us: Philip Rich on Instagram About Philip Rich Wine Companion on Instagram Halliday Wine Companion Halliday Wine Club LANGTONS Key Takeaways: Philip Rich began his wine career in the early 1980s at Crittendens Fine Wine Merchants. Over time, wine professionals and consumers have become significantly more informed. Restaurant wine lists are now considered just as important as the food menu. Sourcing wine has become increasingly difficult due to market and production shifts. Burgundy is revered for its clear expression of terroir, particularly through pinot noir. Wine buying requires an understanding of both consumer tastes and industry trends. A strong wine list balances customer satisfaction with profitability. Wine shows now serve as marketing platforms and provide critical feedback for producers. Effective wine tasting involves both sensory skill and situational context. Vertical tastings and personal experiences deepen wine understanding. Chapters: 00:00 Philip Rich's Journey into the Wine Industry03:00 Evolution of Wine Knowledge and Industry Changes06:05 Sourcing Wines: Past vs Present09:02 The Allure of Burgundy12:04 Pinot Noir: A Unique Expression of Terroir14:59 The Role of a Wine Buyer17:52 Creating a Balanced Wine List22:03 Judging Wines: Show vs Review24:48 The Impact of Wine Shows on Producers27:46 Tasting Mechanics and Wine Education31:44 Personal Wine Preferences and ExperiencesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  --------  

  41:58

  --------

  41:58
• Winery of the Year drops its brand new range | Melanie Chester of Giant Steps

  In the first episode of the new and improved Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, Halliday editor and host Anna Webster speaks with Melanie Chester, head winemaker at Giant Steps in the Yarra Valley. We celebrate Giant Steps being named the 2025 Winery of the Year, discuss the importance of terroir, and the inspiration behind the new Circle of Fifths range. Mel also shares insights into wine judging, the art of blending, and how music plays a role in their winemaking process. The episode closes with a look at quality control, future plans for Giant Steps, and a rapid-fire segment on Mel’s personal wine preferences. Connect with us: Giant Steps Halliday Wine Companion Awards Circle of Fifths Wine Range Giant Steps on Instagram LANGTONS Wine Companion on Instagram Halliday Wine Companion Key Takeaways Melanie Chester’s journey from South Australia to the Yarra Valley Giant Steps winning Winery of the Year 2025 Judging experience as a tool for refining winemaking skills The role of terroir in shaping Yarra Valley wines Circle of Fifths as a celebration of single vineyard wines Blending as both a creative and technical process Music as a unique part of Giant Steps' winemaking philosophy The difference between single-vineyard wines and blends The importance of quality control at every stage of production Giant Steps’ plans for vineyard expansion and future growth Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast00:52 – Melanie Chester's Journey in Winemaking02:21 – Winning Winery of the Year: Giant Steps' Achievement05:10 – The Role of Judging Experience in Winemaking07:00 – Understanding Terroir: The Unique Vineyards of Yarra Valley10:09 – The Circle of Fifths: A New Wine Range13:59 – The Art of Blending Wines18:21 – The Influence of Music in Winemaking20:09 – Single Vineyard vs Blended Wines23:02 – Tasting and Quality Control in Winemaking26:24 – Future Aspirations for Giant Steps32:15 – Quickfire Questions with Melanie Chester If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, leave a review, and share it with fellow wine enthusiasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  --------  

  39:56

  --------

  39:56
• Tradition vs. innovation in Rutherglen

  Halliday Wine Companion 'By the Glass' EP 17: Rowly Milhinch, Scion, Rutherglen Rutherglen is one of Australia's oldest wine regions. Grapevines came to the region in the 1850s during the gold rush and Rutherglen, as many of you will already know, became Australia's unchallenged capital of fortified wines. The future of regions like Rutherglen rely heavily on either new blood moving in or subsequent generations, from existing wine families, continuing to carry those legacies into the future. Rowland Milhinch, known as Rowly about town, is a descendant of George Francis Morris - one of Australia's pioneering vignerons of the mid 19th century. Formerly a graphic designer - Rowly applied his creative mind to the art of wine making and is now, arguably, one of the most progressive and playful wine makers in the region. To chat about the importance of new age thinking...in regions steeped heavily in tradition....please welcome Rowly. Any thoughts or suggestions for upcoming episodes? Please email us at [email protected] and don't forget to follow Halliday Wine Companion over on instagram here. Want to know what wine we were drinking? Scion After Dark Rutherglen Durif 2018 Looking for a little more wine inspiration? For more information on Australian wines and wineries, including tasting notes, head over to winecompanion.com.au. Interested in becoming a Halliday Wine Companion member? Click here. Hardie Grant acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the country on which we work, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation and the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, and recognises their continuing connection to the land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.Support the show: https://www.winecompanion.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  --------  

  37:08

  --------

  37:08
• Muscat with Nick Brown

  Halliday Wine Companion 'By the Glass' EP 16: Nick Brown, All Saints, Rutherglen Today I am in Rutherglen in Victoria’s Northeast and I am joined by a descendant of wine royalty. Nick Brown from All Saints Estate. If the last name hasn’t given it away, Nick has lived and breathed wine his whole life, spending his childhood running about the cellars of his family winery Brown Brothers in Milawa. And while he initially started off pursuing a career in geological engineering, he thankfully found his way back into wine. Now, today’s area of focus is Muscat. And Muscat of Rutherglen is an Australian treasure. Knowledge that has been passed down through generations, with a history spanning over 100 years of family winemaking. Muscat is rich, complex, intense and pairs exceptionally well with savoury dishes, through to full flavoured cheeses and desserts. Please welcome, Nick. Any thoughts or suggestions for upcoming episodes? Please email us at [email protected] and don't forget to follow Halliday Wine Companion over on instagram here. Want to know what wine we were drinking? All Saints Estate Museum Rutherglen Muscat Non Vintage Looking for a little more wine inspiration? For more information on Australian wines and wineries, including tasting notes, head over to winecompanion.com.au. Interested in becoming a Halliday Wine Companion member? Click here. Hardie Grant acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the country on which we work, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation and the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, and recognises their continuing connection to the land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.Support the show: https://www.winecompanion.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  --------  

  41:09

  --------

  41:09
• Varietal focus: Tempranillo

  Halliday Wine Companion 'By the Glass' EP 15: Daniel Tokar, Tokar Estate, Yarra Valley Today we are talking all things Tempranillo! There’s no denying it’s the signature wine grape of Spain, and a very very old one at that…dating back to 1100 BC. There are about 500 clones of Tempranillo in Spain alone, and it is not only one of the world’s most planted grape varieties, it’s one of the most expanded varieties globally. Meaning it’s on the increase. Daniel Tokar, from Tokar Estate in Victoria’s Yarra Valley has been surrounded by this variety since his parents established the winery in 1995. A chef by trade, Daniel provides an interesting perspective on this very old and much loved variety. Please welcome, Dan. Any thoughts or suggestions for upcoming episodes? Please email us at [email protected] and don't forget to follow Halliday Wine Companion over on instagram here. Want to know what wine we were drinking? Tokar Estate Amphora Special Release Yarra Valley Tempranillo 2019 Looking for a little more wine inspiration? For more information on Australian wines and wineries, including tasting notes, head over to winecompanion.com.au. Interested in becoming a Halliday Wine Companion member? Click here. Hardie Grant acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the country on which we work, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation and the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, and recognises their continuing connection to the land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.Support the show: https://www.winecompanion.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  --------  

  26:18

  --------

  26:18

More Arts podcasts

Trending Arts podcasts

About Halliday Wine Companion