COMMUNITY WINE NEWSPAPER
ISSUE 5
AUTUMN EDITION
AUTUMN EDITION ISSUE 5 2026
Autumn is a time that invites us to slow down a little and savour the rhythm of the season. Perhaps it’s the cooler air, the softening light, or the meals that feel a little more comforting and generous. It’s the season to dust off the jacket and share a plate of something rustic and reach for a bottle of red.
We’re back with (can you believe it) Edition 5 of the Community Wine Newspaper. Packed with ideas for the weeks ahead and just in time for Easter gatherings and school holiday adventures. Those golden in-between days that call for good wine and even better company.
In this issue we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Margaret River Pro, including a few cellar doors worth detouring to between heats. Local legend Nic Peterkin
shares a special, yet simple pasta recipe.
We then head east for Gather Round with the help of our friends at Shaw + Smith, who guide us through a few South Australian drinking highlights.
With Easter on the horizon, we’re talking long lunches, crowd friendly bottles and wines that work just as well on a sunny afternoon. There’s food, football, travel and plenty of thoughtful drinking, the kind best enjoyed slowly.
Autumn is about gathering — around the table, the footy, the coast and the people you love. We hope this issue helps shape where you go, what you pour and who you share it with.
As always — trust us and discover new wines.
STUART ST. CELLARS NOTICE BOARD
AUTUMN ISSUE 5 LAUNCH FREE TASTING
SATURDAY 28TH MARCH OVER 25 WINES OPEN FROM 1pm SAUSAGE SIZZLE 1-3pm
We’ll be pouring our favourite Easter and long weekend wines, including new discoveries from Margaret River and the Adelaide Hills.
Casual, free and all in good community spirit.
Try before you buy.
OUR FAV PINOT RELEASE OF THE YEAR!
Two Tonne Tasmania has their new release of Pinot’s and we are there for it! Three different regions, three great wines.
WHAT IS ON OFFER:
6 PACK FOR $215
2 X ‘25 TAMAR VALLEY PINOT NOIR
2 X ‘25 FREYCINET PINOT NOIR
2 X ‘25 DERWENT VALLEY PINOT NOIR
12 PACK FOR $400
4 X ‘25 TAMAR VALLEY PINOT NOIR
4 X ‘25 FREYCINET PINOT NOIR
4 X ‘25 DERWENT VALLEY PINOT NOIR OPEN BOTTLE EVERY THURS 4PM - 7PM ‘try before you buy’
SSC HAPPENINGS
Purchase any two bottles and a meat product to go in draw.
NV JEAN PIERRE BRUT SPARKLING, NSW
‘25 VASSE FELIX CLASSIC DRY WHITE, MARGARET RIVER, WA
‘24 HESKETH ‘UNFINISHED BUSINESS’ PINOT NOIR, SA
‘24 FULL SWING SAUV BLANC, VIC
‘25 LENTON BRAE CHARDONNAY, MARGARET RIVER, WA
‘22 ELENI PINOT NOIR, VIC
‘24 MONTEVENTO PINOT GRIGIO, VENETO, ITA
‘25 DAYS & DAZE ROSÉ, VIC
‘24 FULL SWING SHIRAZ, VIC
‘25 EAST OF EDEN RIESLING, SA
‘NV CRITTENDEN ESTATE GEPPETTO SPARKLING, VIC
‘24 CLOUDBREAK, PINOT NOIR, SA
‘25 WILLOW BRIDGE SBS, GEOGRAPHE, WA
‘23 ALKOOMI ‘GRAZING’ SHIRAZ, GREAT SOUTHERN, WA
‘24 MR MICK, SHIRAZ, SA
MARGARET RIVER PRO
Margaret River Pro – 50 Years
This year marks 50 years of the Margaret River Pro, which is a pretty remarkable thing when you stop and think about it. What started as a small, raw surf competition has grown into one of the most respected events on the World Surf League (WSL) calendar. Along the way it has helped define Margaret River in ways that go well beyond surfing.
The Pro played a genuine role in putting Margaret River on the global map. Long before the region became internationally known for wine and food, images of Main Break and its heavy, open water power were already travelling the world. The event showcased not just great surfing, but the scale and energy of the coastline itself.
It’s impact on tourism in the South West is hard to overstate. For many people, the Margaret River Pro became their first introduction to the region, the beaches,
the landscape, the relaxed pace of life. It helped build curiosity, and curiosity turned into visitors. From a surfing perspective, Main Break still stands apart. As one of the only deep water, open ocean waves on the WSL. On it’s day it is widely regarded as one of the wildest and biggest waves on tour. It’s location demands commitment and adaptability, which is exactly why a result here carries weight.
Fifty years on, the Margaret River Pro feels like more than a contest. It’s part of the rhythm of the region, an international drawcard belonging to the once sleepy surfer town.
Margaret River Pro - Surfers Point, Prevelly - Friday 17th April - Monday 27th April, 2026
SSC TIPS ON WHAT’S ON IN MARGS?
LENTON BRAE WINE
3887 CAVES ROAD, WILYABRUP, WA
163 TREETON RD, COWARAMUP, WA
IDÉE FIXE
BUSSELL HWY (CNR DARCH RD, MARGARET RIVER, WA
BOOKING ESSENTIAL (SCAN BARCODE PAGE 4)
QUINNINUP FALLS WALK
MOSES ROCK CARPARK, MOSES ROCK RD (OFF CAVES ROAD), MARGARET RIVER, WA
Step into one of the most relaxed cellar door experiences in the region. There’s usually something happening — food trucks, live music, an onsite deli and it’s genuinely dog friendly. Plenty of space, plenty of grass, very easy to lose an afternoon.
If you’re heading into town, make time for Rhum Burgundy. A seriously good spirits and wine stop, owned by our friends at L.S. Merchants. Well worth a visit and exactly the sort of place you hope to stumble across.
Early access is available to preview the new House, located just five minutes south of Margaret River town. In advance of the official opening, you’re invited to discover the Salon and explore the meticulous craft of Méthode Traditionnelle winemaking.
For something outdoors, the Quinninup Falls walk from Moses Rock is a standout. 3.4–4km return, the track winds through coastal heath and along dramatic granite cliffs before dropping down to a seasonal waterfall. Sandy and occasionally steep, but very rewarding.
RHUM BURGUNDY
MARGARET RIVER PRO PREVELLY, IMAGE CREDIT WWW.MARGARETRIVER.COM
IDÉE FIXE HOUSE, MARGARET RIVER
‘23 IDÉE FIXE BLANC DE BLANC, MARGARET RIVER, WA
‘25 LS MERCHANT VERMENTINO, MARGARET RIVER, WA
‘24 MCHENRY HOHNEN TEMP GRENACHE, MARGARET RIVER, WA
‘23 GANT & CO FUMÉ SAUV BLANC, MARGARET RIVER, WA
‘25 MR BARVAL CHARDONNAY, MARGARET RIVER, WA
‘2015 VASSE FELIX SYRAH, MARGARET RIVER, WA
‘25 DORMILLONA CHENIN, MARGARET RIVER, WA
‘22 TRAIT FIELD BLEND WHITE, MARGARET RIVER, WA
‘23 ROSILY CABERNET, MARGARET RIVER, WA
‘25 WINDOWS ESTATE SSB, MARGARET RIVER, WA ‘24 SWELL SEASON CHARDONNAY, MARGARET RIVER, WA
‘25 LENTON BRAE ‘IN GOOD HANDS’ ROSE, MARGARET RIVER, WA
‘23 VIA CAVES MALBEC, MARGARET RIVER, WA
‘24 BLIND CORNER ROUGE, MARGARET RIVER, WA
‘23 VOYAGER ESTATE COASTAL CABERNET, MARGARET RIVER, WA
PASTA WITH NIC PETERKIN
Simple food, great wine and a taste of Margaret River -
When it comes to cooking, Nic Peterkin doesn’t over complicate things. Known for his work at Pierro and L.A.S Vino, Nic spends most of his time thinking about vineyards, fermentations and the quiet details that shape great wine. Yet at home, food follows a much simpler philosophy. Seasonal, relaxed and best shared around the table.
Choosing just one recipe to share wasn’t easy for Nic. It could have been something unmistakably West Australian like a Rottnest crayfish marinara, or a slow cooked ragù made for a cool evening. With cherry tomatoes ripening in the garden right now, this is the pasta Nic has cooking most often at home.
Unfussy, generous and full of flavour, this is the sort of dish that comes together quickly but tastes like it took much longer.
Sweet tomatoes burst in the oven with garlic and anchovy, creating a rich, savoury sauce that clings perfectly to pasta. A handful of basil and good cheese at the end brings everything together. Five minutes to prep, a glass of wine while it cooks, dinner’s done.
CHERRY TOMATO PASTA
INGREDIENTS
Olive oil
4 cloves of garlic
4 anchovies (optional . . but do it)
500g – 800g sweet, (ripe cherry tomatoes in different colours — preferably from an organic garden or your own)
Feta or goat’s cheese
Sea salt and black pepper
Mixed Italian herbs
Fresh pasta of choice
Garnish - fresh basil, parmesen
METHOD
1. Combine all ingredients in a baking tray with seasoning and a generous amount of olive oil.
2. Place in the oven at 220°C for 20–30 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst.
3. While the tray is in the oven, cook your pasta of choice al dente in well-salted water. Farfalle or rigatoni work particularly well.
4. Remove the tray from the oven and toss through the pasta.
5. Finish with fresh basil and a grating of parmesan.
Serve immediately with extra cheese and a generous pour of something textural and savoury.
L.A.S VINO
Nic’s pasta dish works beautifully with both white and red wine, depending on the day.
If the afternoon is warm and the table is outside, Nic suggests a chilled glass of L.A.S Vino Wildberry Springs Chardonnay — textural, bright and perfect with the sweetness of roasted tomatoes.
If the evening cools and you’re leaning towards a red, reach for The Pirate Blend - Juicy, savoury and relaxed, it’s the sort of wine that makes a simple pasta feel like an occasion.
To learn more about Luck, Art, and Science (L.A.S.) follow @l.a.s.vino. For more pasta inspiration follow @ everythingispasta
2024 L.A.S Wildberry Springs Chardonnay –
This drop oozes outdoor vibes.
Pure flavours from Wilyabrup Wildberry Springs vineyard, this Chardonnay shows citrus, stone fruit, minerality and bright natural acidity.
2024 L.A.S
The Pirate Blend –
For pirates liquor was the saviour - it soothed the heat of the sun and made the dark nights brighter.
A playful blend showing red fruits, spice and brightness, with texture, energy and drinkability.
NIC PETERKIN, WINEMAKER
CHARLIE’S
Autumn whites are less about sharp refreshment and more about texture. Think wines with weight — lees work, subtle oak, savoury edges and quiet complexity. They still carry freshness, but now it’s layered with depth. Perfect for roast chicken, mushroom risotto, seafood with butter, or simply a longer afternoon at the table.
‘24 SEEHOF PINOT BLANC, RHEINHESSEN, GER
‘23 BYRNE FARM CHARDONNAY, ORANGE, NSW
‘24 MELTWATER SAUV BLANC, MARLBOROUGH, NZ
‘24 VERGET MACONPIERRECLOS CHARDONNAY, BURGUNDY, FRA
‘24 COLLE MARIANNA, SOAVE, IT
‘24 VALLONE FIANO, SALENTO, IT
AUTUMN REDS
‘24 TERRA ALPINA PINOT GRIGIO, ALTO ADIGE, IT
‘24 CHATEAU CARBONNEAU SAUV BLANC, BORDEAUX, FRA
‘25 RIESLINGFREAK #2 RIESLING, POLISH HILL, SA
Autumn reds lean into spice, earth and structure. These are bottles that welcome slower cooking and second pours — Sangiovese with grip, Pinot with forest floor nuance, Shiraz with warmth but restraint. They’re built for conversation, cooler evenings and meals that stretch well past sunset.
‘24 TOOLANGI PINOT NOIR, YARRA VALLEY, VIC
‘24 CORZANO E PATERNO ROSSO, TUSCANY, IT
‘25 SCHMOLTZER & BROWN PRET-A-ROUGE, BEECHWORTH, VIC
‘24 FALLEN GIANTS SHIRAZ, GRAMPIANS, VIC
‘23 TERRE DEI RUMI MONTEPULCIANO, D’ABRUZZO, IT
‘25 GARAGISTE ‘LE STAGIAIRE’ PINOT NOIR, MORNINGTON PENINSULA, VIC
‘24 CHATEAU CARBONNEAU PUR JUS MERLOT, BORDEAUX, FRA
‘22 POGGIO BRIGANTE SANGIOVESE, TUSCANY, IT
‘25
BANNOCKBURN 1314 SHIRAZ, GEELONG, VIC
‘24 GIRLAN PINOT BLANC, ALTO ADIGE, IT
‘24 CASCINA PENNACURRADO DOLCETTO, PIEDMONT, IT
GATHER AROUND SA
“Gather Round is one of our city’s most energising weekends, transforming Adelaide into a vibrant celebration of football, culture, dining, and discovery” says Tildie from Shaw + Smith. The Adelaide Hills offers respite from the buzzing city and Borossa across this footy filled weekend, just 25 mins away from the action, it’s the perfect interlude between games. Think rolling vineyards, cool-climate wines, and relaxed regional charm. At Shaw + Smith’s Tasting Room, you can enjoy wine flights or wines by the glass.
The Norwood Food & Wine Festival, held on the Sunday of Gather Round is a lively showcase of South Australia’s leading restaurants, producers, wines, and spirits.
ILLUSTRATION OF GATHER ROUND SA
This year, Shaw + Smith partners with Arkhé for the festival. Food will be excellent, Chef Jake Kellie is one of Adelaide’s best. After a weekend here, you’ll quickly understand why Adelaide consistently over delivers. Gather Round isn’t just about football, it’s an invitation to experience the very best of South Australia.
TILDIE’S TIPS ON WHAT’S ON IN SA
SHAW + SMITH
136 JONES RD, BALHANNAH, SA
THE EXETER HOTEL
246 RUNDLE ST, ADELAIDE, SA
2KW ROOFTOP
2 KING WILLIAM ST, ADELAIDE SA
ADELAIDE MARKET
44/60 GOUGER ST, ADELAIDE SA
SHAW + SMITH
Adelaide Crows supporters preferredthough all are warmly welcomed. Join us for a Classic Wine Flight or a Balhannah vineyard tour.
Iconic, unpretentious, and much loved. A bottle of Krug in the front bar, sipped from a butcher’s glass, is quintessentially Adelaide.
Sweeping Adelaide Oval views, polished service, and excellent modern Australian dining. Ideal for pre-game drinks or sunset dinners.
A sensory feast of traders and flavours. Don’t miss a panini from Lucia’s, and a Portuguese tart from Saudade.
Shaw + Smith has long been one of the Adelaide Hills’ benchmark producers. Precise, quietly confident and deeply rooted in place. Their Balhannah tasting room sits among rolling vineyards just outside Woodside, offering a calm, elevated space to explore some of Australia’s finest cool climate wines.
From the electric Sauvignon Blanc to the iconic M3 Chardonnay and beautifully structured Pinot Noir, each wine reflects the clarity and restraint the region does so well. A visit here feels considered and unhurried with thoughtful wine, panoramic views and a cellar door team who genuinely know their craft.
SHAW
SOUTH AUSSIE SIPS
‘25 LA PROVA, PINOT GRIGIO, ADELAIDE HILLS, SA
‘25 PRAETER ‘TRUSCOTT BLOCK’ CHARDONNAY, ADELAIDE HILLS, SA
‘22 COATES SYRAH, MCLAREN VALE, SA
‘23 CLOUDBREAK CHARDONNAY, ADELAIDE HILLS, SA
‘25 MMAD ROSÉ, MCLAREN VALE, SA
‘24 YANGARRA, FIELD BLEND ROUGE, MCLAREN VALE, SA
‘24 COMMUNE OF BUTTONS, CHARDONNAY, ADELAIDE HILLS, SA
‘24 HESKETH REGIONAL PINOT NOIR, ADELAIDE HILLS, SA
‘23 BOWEN ESTATE CABERNET, COONAWARRA, SA
‘25 PRAETER (PINOT BLANC, CHARD, SAVAGNIN), FLEURIEU SA
‘24 MINISTRY OF CLOUDS GRENACHE CARIGNAN, MCLAREN VALE, SA
‘24 GULLYVIEW CABERNET, CLARE VALLEY, SA
‘25 DELENQUINTE VERMENTINO, RIVERLAND, SA
‘25 EMMALENE PINOT NOIR, ADELAIDE HILLS, SA
‘23 BEN GLAETZER BISHOP SHIRAZ, BAROSSA VALLEY, SA
