2025 Sidewood Estate Pinot Gris, Adelaide Hills

Sourced from Sidewood Estate’s vineyards in the Charleston and Oakbank districts, a fair bit wild-fermented in large format French oak vessels, which immediately suggests the style of wine is aiming for a decent level of personality. Glossy pale gold, it looks almost unctuous which confirms where it’s headed, then smelling gloriously of spiced pear compote with faint cinnamon and ginger nut biscuit notes for extras. It’s rich in the palate, too – stone fruits and milky raw macadamia nuts, offset by a spring of subtle acidity to balance its natural fruit sweetness. All its aromatic and flavour elements play a part in the generous mouth-filling and textural style of the wine, which stands out as a distinctive example in this varietal class. Awarded the trophy as the best Pinot Gris/Grigio at the 2025 Sydney Royal Wine Awards.

95 points Tony Love Wine Pilot

A classic and impressive example of pinot gris. A varietally persuasive nose of white florals and spice with plenty of pear, crystallised ginger and lemon curd. Such a smart wine; a portion of the fruit was wild fermented in large format French oak, for the promise of texture and intrigue. Swills of stone fruit, white nectarine and peach, together with a blanched almond nuttiness. The spiced pear and the texture shine true and pure. A whole and intentional expression of gris.

95 points Special Value Katrina Butler Halliday Wine Companion  

Trophy + Best Pinot Gris or Grigio + 95 points 2025 Royal Sydney Wine Show

Top Gold + 95 points 2025 Royal Perth Wine Show

From the cool, elevated vineyards of the Adelaide Hills, Sidewood Estate Pinot Gris has become one of the region’s standout performers, regularly picking up trophies and strong critical praise, including success at the Sydney Royal Wine Show. Founded by Owen Inglis and guided by winemaker Dylan Lee, Sidewood has built a reputation for precise, site driven wines that consistently overdeliver on value. Pinot Gris thrives in these conditions, where long ripening seasons and cool nights help build flavour while preserving freshness.

A pale straw colour with bright silver green reflections sits in the glass. Aromas open with ripe pear, apple and white peach layered with citrus zest, spice and a gentle floral lift. There is an immediate sense of vibrancy and approachability.

The palate is medium bodied and silky, delivering juicy orchard fruit flavours framed by refreshing acidity and a soft textural line. Notes of nashi pear, ginger spice and a faint mineral edge build through the mid palate, leading to a clean, flowing finish that feels both generous and lively. Drinking beautifully now, this is a wine that punches well above its weight, delivering serious quality at an everyday price.

Spicy prawn noodles tossed with chilli and lime, crispy pork belly with crackling, or a platter of dumplings disappearing as quickly as they arrive. A spin of Dua Lipa Future Nostalgia or something bright from Kylie Minogue, even a touch of Vivaldi sneaking in later, the wine bringing energy, fun and just enough polish to keep things interesting.