February 3, 2026

Springtime in a glass

Written by Emma White

Spring is one of my favourite times of year for wine – it’s all about freshness, vibrancy and that sense of renewal in the glass. With spring whites, I look for wines that are lively and bursting with energy, while in reds, I’m drawn to a touch of spice, elegance, and a lighter to medium body that pairs beautifully with the season. The seven wines I’ve chosen here are varietals that my husband and I fi rst fell in love with during our travels through Europe, and it’s been wonderful to see these styles now being embraced and reimagined in regions across Australia. Each bottle tells its own story of place and season, and I can’t wait for you to pour a glass and discover these beautiful spring wines for yourself.

YARRA YERING

2024 Light Dry Red Pinot Noir Shiraz

The 2024 Light Dry Red from Yarra Yering is such a clever expression, bringing a Hunter Valley influence into a Yarra Yering wine with a more Pinot-dominant blend. It’s fragrant and playful, with notes that remind me of summer pudding – berries, spice and a soft, lifted perfume. Every sip takes me back to my English origins, where those flavours were part of long, spring afternoons.

From $95 / yarrayering.com

LATITUDE 32

2024 Casuarina Semillon

Our 2024 Casuarina Semillon is one of my absolute favourites to enjoy in spring – it’s so lively and fresh, the perfect way to awaken your palate for the months ahead. In its youth, it shows that classic Hunter Valley style: crisp, zesty, and brimming with aromas of lemon and cut hay. It’s a wine that not only shines now but also has the beautiful age worthiness that Semillon is so celebrated for.

From $35 / latitude32wines.com

OLIVER’S TARANGA

2024 Mencia

The 2024 Mencia from Oliver’s Taranga is such an exciting wine, originally hailing from northern Spain’s Bierzo region. I fell in love with this varietal during my time in Spain where it’s made in many different styles, so it’s a joy to see it thriving on our own soils. With violet fl orals, cherry syrup, and a bright, savoury palate, it’s the perfect partner to anything and everything roasted in wood-fi re and a long, laughter-filled spring lunch.

From $36 / oliverstaranga.com

PIERRE’S WINES

2017 Semillon Méthode Traditionelle

The 2017 Semillon Méthode Traditionelle is a late disgorged sparkling that has spent eight years on lees, allowing it to develop beautiful depth and character. It carries those aged, brioche aromas combined with the unique Hunter Valley Semillon notes of lemon curd that makes this wine so distinctive.

From $120 / pierreswines.com.au

HART & HUNTER

2022 75 Days Chardonnay

Having chased Chardonnays from all around the world, I love how each region has its own distinct character. This wine captures the essence of the Hunter Valley’s modern style with clarity and elegance. The nose is lifted with florals, white spice, and a subtle hint of dried herbs. On the palate, it unfolds in rich, textural layers of almond and butterscotch, balanced by a fi ne citrus-driven acidity. Generous yet refreshing, it’s a wonderful companion to the fresh, vibrant energy of spring.

From $48 / hartandhunter.com.au

CHALMERS

2019 Aglianico

Often called the Barolo of the South, Aglianico is a varietal that’s relatively unknown still in Australia, so it’s really exciting to see local producers starting to plant it. The 2019 Chalmers Aglianico shows poise and structure, with a wonderful balance of freshness and complexity with a slightly lighter style than in its native Italy. It has just the right amount of depth for spring, making it a red that feels both satisfying and seasonally perfect.

From $43 / chalmers.com.au

CORIOLE

2024 Rubato Reserve Fiano

The 2024 Rubato Reserve Fiano from Coriole is a deeply fruited, textural wine that is a joy to drink. Rich and medium-bodied with layers of fl avour and complexity, it’s exactly the kind of white I love to enjoy in spring. Another sensational grape varietal originating from Southern Italy. I’m thrilled to see Fiano becoming more and more celebrated here in Australia.

From $55 / coriole.au

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