In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, the wine podcast dedicated to wine education, Janina Doyle dives deep into the world of Australian Shiraz with one of the country’s most respected wine critics, Huon Hooke, lead reviewer for The Real Review. Together they explore the diversity of Shiraz across Australia’s most famous wine regions – from the powerful wines of Barossa Valley to the savoury elegance of Hunter Valley and the peppery character of Grampians. They also discuss the oldest Shiraz vines in the country, how soil and climate influence style, which regions offer the best value today and where the future of Australian Shiraz is heading. If you want to learn about wine, explore different wine grapes (with a few mentions of other varieties along the way, even though this episode focuses on Shiraz) and understand how climate and terroir shape flavour, this episode offers a fascinating journey through one of the world’s most iconic varieties. It’s also packed with insights for anyone planning wine travel in Australia or wanting to better understand the country’s diverse wine landscape. Whether you love bold, plush Shiraz or cooler-climate, spice-driven expressions, this episode is a perfect introduction to the remarkable range of Australian Shiraz. Shownotes 02:44 – What makes Australian Shiraz so distinctive and why it remains one of the country’s defining grape varieties. 04:18 – Huon Hooke shares how he first became interested in wine and how his career in wine reviewing began. 05:17 – The oldest producing Shiraz vineyards in Australia (Langmeil Vineyard) and what makes these historic vines so remarkable. 07:49 – The most expensive Australian Shiraz currently on release (Henske Hill of Grace) and the experience behind ultra-premium wines. 08:28 – A discussion about Torbreck, one of the most famous producers of Barossa Valley Shiraz. 09:41 – The oldest vintage of Australian Shiraz Huon has personally tasted and how Shiraz evolves over decades. 10:55 – Introducing the core theme of the episode: exploring Shiraz across Australia’s different wine regions. 13:45 – Which Australian Shiraz region may currently be the most underrated. 15:39 – Which regions may deliver the best value for money when buying Shiraz. 17:20 – If opening a bottle for a special occasion, which style or region Huon Hooke would personally choose. 18:55 – A closer look at Barossa Valley Shiraz and its signature bold fruit and rich structure. 21:12 – Comparing Eden Valley Shiraz and Barossa Valley Shiraz and how cooler conditions influence Shiraz style. 25:11 – How soil composition and geology shape the flavour and texture of Shiraz. 27:33 – Understanding the intensity of Shiraz and how different regions express power differently. 28:49 – Where Heathcote sits geographically within Victoria and its growing reputation for Shiraz. 30:49 – The role of Shiraz in Australian wine statistics and production. 33:51 – How Clare Valley Shiraz fits into the broader Australian Shiraz conversation. 36:00 – Grampians Shiraz and its distinctive spice-driven style and how it has evolved. 37:48 – The Canberra District and the effect of altitude and climate on Shiraz. 39:05 – The best wine regions to visit from Sydney for a weekend wine trip. 41:30 – Other emerging or lesser-known regions that deserve attention for Shiraz. 43:13 – The future of Australian Shiraz: trends in winemaking, blending and oak usage. 46:14 – How Huon Hooke’s wine reviewing career has evolved over the last two decades and how the Australian wine scene has changed. 49:01 – What wine lovers can find on The Real Review, including top wine lists and best-value bottles. 50:36 – Why Shiraz remains such a joyful and versatile grape variety and why we should all be drinking more of it. 53:56 – Next week: Janina heads to Sicily to explore Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG. Wineries Suggested for a comparison tasting Torbreck Shiraz (Barossa Valley) Mount Langi Ghiran Shiraz (Grampians) Tyrrell’s Shiraz (Hunter Valley) 📩 Email: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk 📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat 🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat 🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Cheers to you 🥂 THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot. RECOGNITION: – Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025) – Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025) – Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list
