E.J. McDougall’s recent Australian tour was more than a series of tastings—it was a carefully curated journey across the country’s most influential wine cities, bringing together leading voices in hospitality, retail, and media to engage in meaningful dialogue around craftsmanship, terroir, and the future of Australian wine.

Spanning Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, and Melbourne, the tour reflected a singular purpose: to present EJM wines not just as products, but as expressions of place, philosophy, and long-term vision.

A National Effort — With Gratitude to Saint Wine

At the heart of this journey was an exceptional partnership.

A sincere and substantial thank you to Saint Wine for their remarkable effort in showcasing E.J. McDougall (EJM) across Australia. From the first gathering in Brisbane to the final tastings in Melbourne, the roadshow was executed with precision, care, and a deep understanding of the market.

What made this experience truly impactful was not just the calibre of attendees, but the quality of engagement. Across every city, we had the privilege of meeting some of the most respected names in the Australian wine industry. The feedback shared was genuine, thoughtful, and constructively critical—exactly the kind of insight that sharpens both philosophy and practice.

Brisbane — An Intimate Introduction to Queensland

The tour began in Brisbane with a private industry lunch, bringing together 16 key buyers from across Queensland, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast.

Representatives from major restaurant groups, national retailers, and hospitality operators with extensive pub and club networks attended, creating a highly focused environment to introduce EJM wines to decision-makers shaping the region’s wine landscape.

It was an understated yet powerful beginning—where relationships were formed, and first impressions thoughtfully made.

Sydney — Engaging the Nation’s Leading Voices

In Sydney, the conversation deepened with an industry lunch at Chophouse, welcoming a distinguished group of buyers, restaurateurs, and sommeliers from some of the city’s most respected dining institutions.

A particular highlight was the presence of Annette Lacey MW and Andrea Pritzker MW—two highly regarded Masters of Wine known for their influence as educators, journalists, and buyers on both a national and international stage.

Alongside representatives from leading hospitality groups such as Merivale, the Sydney event became a defining moment of the tour—an opportunity to present both current releases and future vintages to some of the most discerning palates in the country.

Adelaide — A Private Dialogue with Australia’s Wine Media

The tour continued to Adelaide for a discreet and highly focused private preview tasting with Nick Ryan of The Australian and Katie Spain of Wine Business Monthly.

Here, the wines were explored in depth:
— 2023 and 2024 Grenache and Shiraz, revealing structure, site expression, and ageing potential
— 2024 and 2025 Chardonnay, offering precision, energy, and a glimpse into what lies ahead

Moments like these represent the quiet core of the wine world—where thoughtful critique meets long-term vision.

Melbourne — An Institution Welcomes the Future

The final chapter unfolded in Melbourne with VIP private preview tastings at the iconic Melbourne Supper Club.

Widely regarded as one of the city’s most institutional wine venues, the Supper Club offers a setting that is both timeless and deeply embedded in Melbourne’s gastronomic culture. It is a place where collectors, sommeliers, and trade professionals gather not simply to taste, but to engage.

The response from Melbourne’s trade was both enthusiastic and considered. Sommeliers and buyers provided valuable insights shaped by one of the world’s most dynamic food and wine cities.

Among those in attendance were:
— Amanda of Circl, Melbourne’s award-winning wine bar
— Christina of 67 Pall Mall, Melbourne
— The team behind V Wine Salon

A proud milestone for EJM was seeing the wines now available at the Melbourne Supper Club’s own wine shop—an affirmation of both quality and relevance within this esteemed institution.

Across Regions — From Vineyard to Vintage 2026

Between cities, the journey extended into Australia’s diverse wine regions. Visits to Tasmania’s Coal River Valley for Riesling, alongside time in Margaret River, reinforced the commitment to sourcing exceptional fruit from distinctive terroirs.

Vintage 2026 is already underway. Some wines are quietly fermenting, others nearing harvest—each parcel representing the next chapter in EJM’s evolving story.

Looking Forward — McLaren Vale Old Vine Shiraz Allocation

As the tour concludes, attention turns to what lies ahead.

This April, E.J. McDougall will release a limited allocation of McLaren Vale Old Vine Shiraz—an expression defined by provenance, precision, and careful élevage.

Availability will be extremely limited.

For those who value rarity, craftsmanship, and the discipline of allocation, we invite you to register your interest via our website.

Because the most meaningful wines are never simply bought—
they are earned, collected, and ultimately, allocated.