After decades of vintages across the globe, the Grampians is still the best
At just 43, Grampians winemaker, Adam Louder, is celebrating his 40th vintage this year.
Adam has spent much of his adult life chasing beautiful vintages across the world, travelling from Napa Valley, USA; Bordeaux, France; Margaret River, Western Australia; to the beautiful cool-climate pocket of the Grampians – where his life and career began – to achieve consecutive vintages spanning both hemispheres.
One of the most experienced winemakers in the Grampians, Adam is Chief Winemaker at Mount Langi Ghiran. He and his partner Nancy also have their own label, SubRosa, which is commemorating a significant milestone this year with its 10th vintage. Both brands will feature at the renowned wine, food, and music festival, Grampians Grape Escape in 2024.
The three-day festival runs from 3-5 May and is a celebration of the end of vintage, showcasing the best the region has to offer, featuring masterclasses, cooking demonstrations, guest chefs, live music, kids’ activities, and over one hundred exhibitors.
Chasing Autumn around the globe in the quest to harvest grapes and craft exceptional wine may sound romantic, but in reality, each vintage presents its own unique challenges, with varying environmental factors and a dynamic team – offering invaluable learning experiences along the way.
Adam’s passion for winemaking started when he spent school holidays working at Great Western stalwart Best’s under some of the best winemakers in the world, including the region’s own Trevor Mast.
This tutelage gave Adam the foundations to create his own legendary career in wine.
Between 2001 and 2015, Adam travelled on and off for back-to-back harvests.
“During our winter, I’d be in France, helping manage the harvest at Château Carsin in Bordeaux,” he said.
“Then, I’d head to Margaret River in Western Australia, work the harvest until August, then back to Bordeaux.
“Eleven years in total, travelling from hemisphere to hemisphere was intense but an incredible way to learn quickly.”
Now back home and settled with a young family, Adam is still just as passionate about making wine for the acclaimed Mount Langi Ghiran and SubRosa.
After working with Michelin star chefs in Europe, Adam’s inspiration and focus is to make wines to pair with food. SubRosa’s range includes Viognier, Nebbiolo, Shiraz and Rosé, using either Grampians grapes, Pyrenees grapes, or, in some cases, both.
The culmination of Adam’s extensive experience is evident in the recognition his wines have garnered from esteemed wine reviewers, who consistently rate them among the finest produced in Australia.
Exhibiting at Grampians Grape Escape since 2016, Adam and Nancy are excited to come back for yet another year to help patrons find the perfect drop to go with the perfect meal.
“I’ve worked and lived in some beautiful places around the world, but I am happiest in the Australian bush,” Adam said.
“I believe the Grampians is the ideal place to make wines I love – full of flavour, drinkable early but able to last the distance.”
Grampians Grape Escape runs between 3-5 May. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.grampiansgrapeescape.com.au.
