So, Andrew, you have just returned from a month in France. Which regions did you visit?

I spent most of my time in Chardonnay and Pinot country –Burgundy! A very well-known historical (in fact the oldest) region in east-central France. It is one of the most famous wine regions of France but the capital Dijon, (you guessed it), has its own claim to fame –mustard! I also spent some time further south; sunshine, Rosé and blue seas, in Provence.

What were you working on while you were in Burgundy?

I was focused on barrel selection and specific custom barrel cooperage requests for the 2025 vintage. I worked my way around the region, meeting with different coopers (barrel makers), to find the best oak formats for our upcoming vintage. I also spent a fair amount of time looking at sub-regional and appellation wines, styles, clones and terroir attributes of each and how they translate into the glass to better align my philosophies on Great Southern sites for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir production.

My time in Provence was really focused on Rosé. The many and varied wines and styles from Provence was exceptional, and people will see the results of that flow through in The Sum 2024 Rosé (which will be released this Spring). 

There’s no denying you’ve been around the winemaking block for a while now, so did you pick up any new ideas on this trip?

Looking at how old-world regions such as Burgundy are weaving tradition with new-world techniques to help counter the ongoing challenges of warmer and more varied seasons, rainfall changes and wine style changes borne by consumer preferences. A raft of newer techniques in Chablis - such as the introduction of larger format glass fermentation vessels being incorporated to further retain freshness and minerality - was exciting to see amongst traditional winemaking practices.

Quick fire France rundown...

Best Drive?

Beaune to Chablis

Best Meal?

Oh so many, but the freshest lunch atLa Table du Square in Baune. Super simple, super fresh set menu surrounded by leafy trees and a summer sun.

Best Wine?

Undecided between 2020 Joseph Drouhin Morey St Denis Genavrieres Premier Cruwith its beautiful dense blood plum, 5 spice notes with super bright acidity and the 2020 Albert Bichot Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots – lime florals, briney and slatey minerality, nougat and texture. 

Best View?

Cote d’azur overlooking Marseille at sunset! 

Best Baguette?

Ooooh way too many great boulangerie baguettesto name a single one.