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About Vinodiversity: wine from new varietals
New varietals are the really catching on as the latest trend in Australian wines. Here you will find information about wines made from nearly one hundred wine varieties. As a wine consumer you have probably tried dozens of wines made from the classic varieties. But there is much more to wine than this. You can increase your enjoyment of wine by learning more about what you are drinking ... and what you may be missing out on. You don't have to become a wine snob, or a wine bore. All you need is an open mind and sense of adventure. Vinodiversity will be your road map to new experiences. See below for how to use this site. There is nothing wrong with drinking wine made from classic varieties (say Chardonnay or Shiraz). But you might enjoy wine more if you try something different, not every day, but now and again. Image from a poster available from PictureStore Vinodiversity was founded by Darby Higgs in February 2004. For years an 'Anything-But-Chardonnay' drinker, Darby decided that the time was ripe for an expansion of the knowledge and appreciation of Australian wines made from new varietals. A quick search of the web indicated that many Australian grape growers and wine makers were pioneering new varieties and styles. Much has still to be done to match variety and terrior in the hugely diverse Australian environment. A decade or so ago the Australian wine industry embarked on a massive expansion based on export driven growth. The target of a billion dollars in exports, which seemed ambitious at the time, has been vastly exceeded. Much of that growth has been in wine made from a bare handful of 'classic' grape varieties. But as well as the increase in quantity and quality of wine has been an increase in diversity. There are more varieties and styles on offer. Wine pioneers with a sense of adventure, passion and entrepreneurship have been planting new (and renewed) varieties in more and more districts. In this context the term 'new varietals' includes some classic varieties that had limited attention in Australia, such as Tempranillo, and others such as Grenache which have been around for a long time but are undergoing a revival. A few varieties are represented in Australia by just one or a mere handful of growers. Other new varietals, such as Pinot grigio are on the way to becoming commonplace. But everywhere the buzz is growing. One thing is certain. The future is going to be more interesting and varied for consumers than what could have been imagined even a decade ago. There will be a wider choice of wine and styles available for those who take the trouble to find out. Vinodiversity hopes to provide an information link between wineries who have something different and the growing number of wine enthusiasts who want something different. The patron of Vinodiversity is the well known Irishman, Mr Vincent O'Diversity BI (Hons). Some ill-informed sceptics believe him to be a fictional character, but we can inform you that Vin, as he is affectionately known, is from Ballygooddrop, a small village in County Plonk, Ireland. With the help of internet magic, Vin will be providing us with some tips and bon mots about wine. Vinodiversity will appreciate any feedback, whether it is criticism, praise or tasting notes or other info on a new varietal. We will not enter into debate or diatribes about chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz or pinot noir - life is too short. But please tell us about new experiences with new wines. Use the navigation bar at left to check out the different sections of this site.
Wineries and merchants who wish to explore linking possibilities should visit my merchant information page. If you are selling anything to do with wine on the web please contact me to discuss how you can help potential clients find you.
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