Halliday Wine Companion
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Podcast Overview
<p>The Halliday Wine Companion Podcast (formerly known as By The Glass) is back with a new look, a new host, and a bunch of new and exciting guests.</p> <p> Join Halliday editor Anna Webster as she sits down with industry experts – including winemakers, sommeliers, distillers, critics, retailers, and more – to chat about, unpack and explore a range of wine- and drinks-related topics.</p> <p>From interviews with top producers and the stories behind your favourite bottles, to the science of cellaring, deep dives into wine regions and grape varieties, and much more, this fun and conversational podcast is essential listening for anyone who loves wine.</p> <p>So, pour a glass and settle in.</p>
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Publishing Since
7/8/2021
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Recent Episodes
February 24, 2026
From flute to ferment: Medhurst’s Rohan Smith on changing careers, making rosé, and the art of picking.
<p>In this episode of the <strong>Halliday Wine Companion Podcast</strong>, host <strong>Anna Webster</strong> sits down with <strong>Rohan Smith</strong>, Chief Winemaker at <strong>Medhurst</strong> in the <strong>Yarra Valley</strong>, to talk about his unconventional path into wine, what it really takes to “speed-run” a winemaking career, and why the single most important decision in the winery happens before the grapes even arrive: <strong>picking</strong>.</p> <p>Rohan shares how a classical music background shaped his approach to interpretation and craft, then gets practical on vineyard and cellar decisions, from <strong>diurnal shift</strong> differences between Yarra and Mornington, to building pinot noir and chardonnay blends through repeated classification tastings. He also breaks down the detail work behind Medhurst’s <strong>signature rosé</strong>, including press extraction choices, ferment temperature, and juice turbidity targets.</p> <p>Along the way, you’ll hear about sustainability certification work, wine show judging (including Rohan’s role at <strong>Melbourne Royal</strong>), the value of regional wine shows for the community, and what’s ahead for the <strong>2026 Yarra Valley vintage</strong>.</p> <p>The Halliday Wine Companion Podcast is hosted by Halliday editor Anna Webster.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><a href="https://medhurstwines.com.au/">Medhurst Wines</a></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/medhurstwines/">Medhurst on Instagram</a></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/rohan__smith/">Rohan Smith on Instagram</a></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="https://winecompanion.com.au/">Halliday Wine Companion</a></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/winecompanion/">Halliday Wine Companion on Instagram</a></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="https://winecompanion.com.au/wine-club">Halliday Wine Club</a></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="https://shop.winecompanion.com.au/products/2026-halliday-wine-companion">Buy the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion</a></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.langtons.com.au/">LANGTONS</a></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/langtonsfinewine/">LANGTONS on Instagram</a></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.plumm.com/">Plumm</a></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/plummwineglasses/">Plumm on Instagram</a></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Chapters:</strong><br><strong>00:35</strong> Meet Rohan Smith, Chief Winemaker at Medhurst (Yarra Valley)<br><strong>00:45</strong> From musician to winemaker, and the “interpretation” link between music and wine<br><strong>02:10</strong> Early wine influence, collectors at home, curiosity and tasting young<br><strong>02:55</strong> The career pivot: cellar door and vineyard work, taking the pay cut<br><strong>04:25</strong> Learning from the ground up: vineyards, soil, vine metabolism<br><strong>05:10</strong> First vintages, wine chemistry, and building real capability<br><strong>05:45</strong> Studying wine science while working, graduating with a medal<br><strong>07:05</strong> Mornington vs Yarra: what actually changes in the glass and why<br><strong>10:00</strong> Working with fruit from multiple regions and what it teaches you<br><strong>11:30</strong> Sustainability certification and why it matters (in practice)<br><strong>13:00</strong> Taking over at Medhurst: following a long-term winemaker, changes without ego<br><strong>14:40</strong> The Medhurst site: slopes, soils, altitude shifts, and block differences<br><strong>20:10</strong> Entry level vs estate vs reserve, and how classification tastings work<br><strong>27:10</strong> Chardonnay winemaking: whole-bunch press, full solids, wild ferment, oak<br><strong>29:10</strong> The signature rosé: extraction, turbidity, cool ferments, and why it’s “fiddly”<br><strong>33:00</strong> Winemaking philosophy: intervention when needed, taste every ferment<br><strong>34:50</strong> The single biggest decision: picking dates and phenolic ripeness<br><strong>36:00</strong> 2026 Yarra vintage check-in: conditions, timing, what to expect<br><strong>37:10</strong> Alternative varieties and what could work in the Yarra<br><strong>39:10</strong> Wine show judging: why it accelerates learning, community value<br><strong>42:00</strong> Len Evans Tutorial: why it’s so formative<br><strong>44:40</strong> The Yarra Valley community and why it works<br><strong>46:45</strong> Call to action: support cellar doors and Australian wine</p> <p> </p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>
February 10, 2026
Jasper Hill’s Emily McNally: Family, place and 50 years of Heathcote wine
<p>Emily McNally has spent the past two decades furthering the legacy of her parents, Ron and Elva Laughton, who bought a young vineyard in the late 1970s in Heathcote and established the iconic Jasper Hill. </p> <p>In this episode, host Anna Webster asks Emily why her parents chose Heathcote, how the region earned its identity (and her family’s role in it), what “organic and dry grown” actually means on the ground, why they’re picking grapes earlier than they used to, and adapting to a hotter, less predictable climate. We also dig into Jasper Hill’s key vineyards, Emily’s Paddock and Georgia’s Paddock, the wines in the glass, and the honest commercial reality of selling wine – particularly shiraz – in 2026.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.jasperhill.com.au/">Jasper Hill</a></strong><strong><a href="https://winecompanion.com.au/">Halliday Wine Companion</a></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/winecompanion/">Halliday Wine Companion on Instagram</a></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="https://winecompanion.com.au/wine-club">Halliday Wine Club</a></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="https://shop.winecompanion.com.au/products/2026-halliday-wine-companion">Buy the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion</a></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.langtons.com.au/">LANGTONS</a></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/langtonsfinewine/">LANGTONS on Instagram</a></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.plumm.com/">PLUMM</a></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/plummwineglasses/">PLUMM on Instagram</a></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>In this episode</strong></p> <p><strong>00:00</strong> Welcome to 2026, and why Jasper Hill moved to Heathcote<br><strong>01:20</strong> First vintage (1982) and making great wine with minimal gear<br><strong>01:50</strong> Heathcote before it was an official GI, and putting the region on the label early<br><strong>02:40</strong> Chauncy, Heathcote’s iconic restaurant, and the family connection<br><strong>04:15</strong> How Heathcote has changed (slowly), and why bookings matter at cellar doors<br><strong>05:10</strong> Growing up on a vineyard, resilience, and the winding road into winemaking<br><strong>06:50</strong> Vintage in Italy, and learning by doing<br><strong>07:20</strong> The “slow transition” of taking over from her parents<br><strong>10:35</strong> Emily’s Paddock vs Georgia’s Paddock, aspects, soils, and varieties<br><strong>12:55</strong> Organic, dry grown, biodynamics, and keeping soil alive<br><strong>14:10</strong> Climate change: Drier winters, heavier spring rain, and picking 4–6 weeks earlier<br><strong>16:10</strong> Fire, recovery, and what you do when a block is gone<br><strong>19:35</strong> The Jasper Hill range, plus “Georgia and Friends” and why it appears<br><strong>22:10</strong> Lo Stesso Fiano: Why fiano, how it tastes, and how it differs by grower<br><strong>24:50</strong> Emily’s Paddock co-ferment: Balancing shiraz ripeness and cabernet franc greenness<br><strong>28:50</strong> When to drink Jasper Hill: The 10–12 year sweet spot<br><strong>29:45</strong> Occam’s Razor: Origin story, sourcing changes, and a lighter Heathcote shiraz<br><strong>33:10</strong> Picking earlier now: Climate and taste, plus the legal shift around must additions<br><strong>36:05</strong> Labels, history, and why some things do not change<br>3<strong>7:00</strong> Is shiraz “out of favour”? Oversupply, choice, exports, and selling in 2026<br><strong>41:30</strong> What’s next: Vintage 2026 looks smaller, and how they are managing it<br><strong>42:25</strong> Visiting Jasper Hill: By appointment, and please do not DM on Instagram</p> <p><strong>Wines and bottles mentioned</strong></p> <ul> <li aria-level="1"><strong>Jasper Hill</strong>: Georgia’s Paddock Shiraz, Emily’s Paddock Shiraz Cabernet Franc, Georgia’s Paddock Nebbiolo, Georgia’s Paddock Riesling<br><br></li> <li aria-level="1"><strong>Occam’s Razor Shiraz</strong> (Emily’s label)<br><br></li> <li aria-level="1"><strong>Lo Stesso Fiano</strong> (collaboration, fiano focus)<br><br></li> <li aria-level="1">“Georgia and Friends” and “The Sisters” (made when seasons force the hand)<br><br></li> </ul> <p><strong>Places and people mentioned</strong></p> <ul> <li aria-level="1"><strong>Heathcote, Victoria</strong> (region identity, GI conversation)<br><br></li> <li aria-level="1"><strong>Chauncy, Heathcote</strong> (restaurant)<br><br></li> <li aria-level="1">Georgia Roberts (partner in Lo Stesso)<br><br></li> <li aria-level="1">Chalmers Vineyard (fruit component referenced in discussion)<br><br></li> </ul> <p><strong>Key takeaways</strong></p> <ul> <li aria-level="1"><strong>Regional identity is made, not granted.</strong> Heathcote did not always exist as a recognised region, and championing place mattered early.<br><br></li> <li aria-level="1"><strong>Organic is a year-round commitment.</strong> Composting, cover crops, and soil life are not marketing lines, they are workload.<br><br></li> <li aria-level="1"><strong>Climate is changing the calendar.</strong> Picking earlier is now normal, not exceptional.<br><br></li> <li aria-level="1"><strong>Selling wine is harder right now.</strong> More choice, global oversupply, and softer consumption means more effort for fewer sales.<br><br></li> <li aria-level="1"><strong>Legacy succession is rarely a moment.</strong> The handover from founders to the next generation can be a long, respectful fade rather than a handoff.<br><br></li> </ul> <p><strong>Partners: </strong><strong>LANGTONS</strong></p> <p>The Halliday Wine Companion Podcast is presented by <strong>LANGTONS</strong>.</p> <p><strong>PLUMM Glassware</strong></p> <p>This season is also supported by <strong>PLUMM</strong>, official glassware sponsor of the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast.</p> <p><strong>Thirsty for more?</strong></p> <p>Join the <strong>Halliday Wine Club</strong> for premium 95+ point wines delivered monthly. Visit <strong>winecompanion.com.au</strong> or check the show notes to subscribe. </p> <p> </p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>
November 25, 2025
Wines with swagger: The Michael Hill-Smith Story
<p>In this episode of the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, host Anna Webster sits down with Michael Hill-Smith AM MW, one of the most influential figures in Australian wine. As Australia’s first Master of Wine and co-founder of Shaw + Smith, Tolpuddle Vineyard and MMAD, Michael shares stories from his childhood at Yalumba, his early connection to food and wine, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career.</p> <p>Anna and Michael explore his personal relationship with Len Evans, the bold move to pursue the Master of Wine qualification in the UK, and how a dramatic family buyout at Yalumba ultimately pushed him towards creating something entirely his own. They dive into the evolution of the Adelaide Hills, the philosophy behind Shaw + Smith’s vineyard development, the joy of sauvignon blanc, and why gamay is the latest variety capturing their imagination.</p> <p>This conversation is warm, deeply knowledgeable and peppered with history, personality and insight from someone who has helped steer Australian wine for decades.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://winecompanion.com.au/">Halliday Wine Companion</a></strong><strong> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/winecompanion/">Halliday Wine Companion on Instagram</a></strong><strong><a href="https://www.shawandsmith.com/">Shaw + Smith</a> </strong><strong><a href="https://www.tolpuddlevineyard.com/">Tolpuddle Vineyard</a></strong><strong><a href="https://www.mmadvineyard.com/">MMAD Vineyard</a></strong><strong><a href="https://www.michaelhillsmith.com/">Michael Hill-Smith MW</a></strong><strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/mhsnotebook">Michael Hill-Smith MW on Instagram</a></strong><strong><a href="https://winecompanion.com.au/wine-club">Halliday Wine Club</a></strong><strong><a href="https://shop.winecompanion.com.au/products/2026-halliday-wine-companion">Buy the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion</a></strong><strong><a href="https://www.langtons.com.au/">LANGTONS</a></strong><strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/langtonsfinewine/">LANGTONS on Instagram</a></strong><br><strong>Key Topics Discussed</strong><strong>Growing up at Yalumba</strong></p> <ul> <li aria-level="1">A childhood within one of Australia’s oldest wine families</li> <li aria-level="1">The multi-family “estate life” at Yalumba</li> <li aria-level="1">Sneaking into the castle on the label</li> <li aria-level="1">The sensory memories of vintage and winery culture</li> <li aria-level="1">Early exposure to food, wine and hospitality</li> </ul> <p><strong>First roles in wine</strong></p> <ul> <li aria-level="1">Starting on the bottling line at age 13</li> <li aria-level="1">Time on the Yalumba board as the new generation</li> <li aria-level="1">Realising there were broader opportunities beyond the family business</li> </ul> <p><strong>Len Evans’ influence</strong></p> <ul> <li aria-level="1">Michael’s father introducing Len Evans into the industry</li> <li aria-level="1">Len’s humour, generosity and impact on Australian wine</li> <li aria-level="1">Working unpaid at Len’s Single Bottle Club dinners</li> <li aria-level="1">How Len encouraged a different way of thinking about wine</li> </ul> <p><strong>Becoming Australia’s first Master of Wine</strong></p> <ul> <li aria-level="1">Challenging the MW program to open to Australians</li> <li aria-level="1">Moving to London to pursue the qualification</li> <li aria-level="1">Winning the first Madame Bollinger Tasting Medal</li> <li aria-level="1">The value of “options” tasting in developing palate accuracy</li> </ul> <p><br><strong>Chapters / Segments:</strong></p> <p><strong>00:00 – Introduction & Childhood at Yalumba</strong></p> <p><strong>02:10 – Early Career in Wine</strong></p> <p><strong>02:48 – Mentorship & Influences</strong></p> <p><strong>04:33 – Pursuing the Master of Wine</strong></p> <p><strong>07:24 – Culinary Adventures</strong></p> <p><strong>08:04 – The Family Buyout & Shaw + Smith Beginnings</strong></p> <p><strong>15:09 – Evolution of Adelaide Hills & Vineyard Philosophy</strong></p> <p><strong>19:16 – Experimentation & Gamay</strong></p> <p><strong>22:16 – The Other Wine Co. & Creative Experimentation</strong></p> <p><strong>25:52 – Overcoming Challenges</strong></p> <p><strong>28:10 – Tolpuddle & Tasmanian Adventures</strong></p> <p><strong>35:53 – Tasting Room & Visitor Experience</strong></p> <p><strong>37:07 – MMAD Project & McLaren Vale Expansion</strong></p> <p><strong>42:19 – Wine Production Strategy & Tasmanian Challenges</strong></p> <p><strong>44:25 – Final Reflections</strong><strong><br><br></strong></p> <p>Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, Anna Webster, Michael Hill-Smith MW, Shaw + Smith, Tolpuddle, Adelaide Hills wine, Australian wine history, Len Evans, Yalumba, cool climate wine, chardonnay Australia, pinot noir Australia, gamay Australia.</p> <p> </p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>
29 total episodes available
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- What is Halliday Wine Companion?
<p>The Halliday Wine Companion Podcast (formerly known as By The Glass) is back with a new look, a new host, and a bunch of new and exciting guests.</p> <p> Join Halliday editor Anna Webster as she sits down with industry experts – including winemakers, sommeliers, distillers, critics, retailers, and more – to chat about, unpack and explore a range of wine- and drinks-related topics.</p> <p>From interviews with top producers and the stories behind your favourite bottles, to the science of cellaring, deep dives into wine regions and grape varieties, and much more, this fun and conversational podcast is essential listening for anyone who loves wine.</p> <p>So, pour a glass and settle in.</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates inactive.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 2 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
No, this podcast does not typically feature guests.
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