South Australia
MARCH 2026
Your two March wines are from Yalumba, a winery from the Barossa Valley that we've had on the shelf for the last decade at least. It's one of my favorites and both the Shiraz and Grenache are All-Time Favs. This month's club is an everyday line of wines from Yalumba created with the philosophy of minimal intervention: 100% wild-fermented, vegan-friendly, and gluten-free, just a pure, authentic taste of South Australia." I simply don't know how they can produce wines of this quality for the price you're getting. Enjoy!
Yalumba
Barossa Valley, Australia
With their first vines planted in 1849 and still run today by the sixth generation of the Hill-Smith family, Yalumba is a founding winery in the Barossa Valley wine community, made famous for their pioneering work blending Shiraz with Cabernet Sauvignon for their signature wine.
But there's so much more. They run the only cooperage in the southern hemisphere, toasting oak and making barrels for the region's wineries. They have been a leader in sustainability (currently 100% certified by Sustainable Winegrowing Australia and a gold member of International Wineries for Climate Action) using solar energy, fostering biodiversity in their vineyards, reducing carbon emissions, repurposing wastewater, and using lightweight glass bottles. The family holds a philosophy of minimal intervention with their wines.
And the most important part, their wines are exceptional across the board. I've had the pleasure of visiting Australia on two wine trips, and Yalumba is one of my favorite producers. Their wines are simply outstanding for the price at whatever level you choose to enjoy.
Yalumba 2025 Y Series Pinot Grigio • South Australia • Reg $14.99 | Mixed Case $11.99
100% Pinot Grigio sourced from local growers. Very floral on the nose – almost Viognier like. Just a little bit of citrus fruit & fennel seed. On the palate: apples, pears, (floral notes are gone), really great acidity. Fruit goes all the way to the finish with some citrus. This wine is a screaming deal. Enjoy. Great sipper. The winery says to pair with pork fillet with apple and fennel, a vegetable san choy bowl, or grilled leeks! Drink now.
Yalumba 2023 Y Series Shiraz-Viognier • South Australia • Reg $14.99 | Mixed Case $11.99
97% Shiraz, 3% Viognier which adds aromatics and lightens up the Shiraz. Earthy, herbal notes on the nose with black fruit. Lots of blackberries, blueberries, brambleberries, dark cherries all the way to the spicy finish which has a hint of soy sauce. Fantastic wine. Medium+ bodied. Gets even better if you have time to give it an hour open. The winery says to enjoy with a brisket sandwich. Drink now.
A Note from Jens:
Your wine club pick-up tasting is always the 2nd Saturday of the month. We host this tasting so that you can taste and learn about your wines before enjoying them at home.
We hope you love this peek into the work of South Australia's Yalumba winery. I'm stunned by the quality of these wines for the price.
You'll also be able to taste the FLAGSHIP club wines. Our March theme is Veneto, inspired by the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics which were held on either side of this wine producing region.
Hope you can join!
Cheers,
Jens Strecker, Owner
Portalis Wine Shop
If you are here because you’re curious about our wine clubs: Here’s more general info & online sign-up. You can also peruse the last 12 months of both clubs to get a feel for the themes we pick and the wines we showcase: Portalis EXPLORES (our everyday wine club) & Portalis FLAGSHIP (our signature club).