The First Whites of 2026, in Time for Spring

The first whites of the 2026 vintage are released on the 8th of September, and this year we're marking it the way it deserves. A new release is a milestone worth celebrating, and it's one we want to make more of every year. A full year's work in the vineyard, in the glass at last, right as spring arrives.

Out in the vineyard, the next vintage is already underway. Budburst is here, and Jeremy, our viticulturist, is watching it closely. The timing, the weather coming through, how evenly the buds are breaking across the rows. It's quiet work, but it's where the season really starts. For Andrew, our winemaker, it's the beginning of everything that ends up in the glass a year from now.

The new whites

Leading the way is the 2026 Limited Release Rhodes Semillon. Vibrant and citrussy, it's the kind of white you reach for on the first warm Friday of the season, when the afternoons start stretching out again and you don't need a reason to open a bottle.

There's a bit of family in the name, too. Rhodes is the maiden name of John's wife Sue, and the middle name of one of their son. We're a family owned company, and this one's a nod to that. We think a lot of the wine as well, so we're pouring a complimentary taste on arrival at Cellar Door, from the 8th and right through September, to start your tasting off.

Alongside it, the 2026 Limited Release Verdelho and the 2026 Limited Release Fiano. These are your easy spring drinking. Verandah wines for the long afternoons, a Fiano on the back step, something to open without a second thought.

Then there's the 2025 Single Vineyard Venus Block Chardonnay, which asks a little more of the moment. A long lunch that runs into the afternoon, fresh seafood, the right company and no rush. It's the most refined Venus Block we've made, and it shows. Give it a moment in the glass and it gives plenty back.

And by popular demand, the 2026 Limited Release Fruitloop Verdelho is back. It's off-dry, so it's one for anyone who likes a touch of sweetness, and it's made for a night in with takeaway Thai or Vietnamese. Serve it super chilled and let it do its thing.

First look for members

Now for the wines our members get to before anyone else. A handful of our most sought-after whites go to you first, and some of them head into the cellar afterwards for release further down the track, so this really is the window to get in early. We'll email you on the 10th of September with your access, and it stays open through to the 17th.

These are the whites people ask us about all year. The 2026 Single Vineyard Tallavera Semillon and the 2026 Single Vineyard Alluvius Semillon, the 2026 Single Vineyard Stone Mountain Riesling, one of our most awarded whites, and the 2025 Single Barrel Chardonnay, made just for members. John Davis named these himself, a geologist reading the story in the soil each one grows in.

If you were at one of our recent member events, you'll already know a few of these. Some of you tasted them, loved them, and ordered on the spot. This is your chance to do the same, and to have them on the doorstep before anyone else.

Come and taste the new season

If you'd rather taste before you buy, come and see us. From the 8th, everyone through the door gets that complimentary pour of the Rhodes Semillon to start, and the team will happily walk you through the new season's whites and help you find your next favourite drop.

There's plenty to celebrate this year, and no better time to be here for it. The vines are waking up, the whites are released, and spring's only just getting started. Come and see what the new season's brought. Book your tasting now.