ONES TO WATCH

Sabi Wabi

Former Krinklewood head winemaker Peta Kotz is stepping out solo with Sabi Wabi. She wants to make wines that are textural and, above all, fun. This year that includes a semillon, which she describes as “pineapple juice for grown-ups”. It’s hand-picked and barrel fermented, resulting in pure and supple flavours. Get in quick – there are only 400 bottles of this one. sabiwabi.com.au

Dirt Candy

Another husband-and-wife team working with classic Hunter varieties in a strictly non-classical way. Head winemaker Daniel Payne takes a minimal approach in the winery: “Essentially the less I do in terms of manipulating what occurs in the winery [helps to create] a better outcome in the glass.” Try their 2021 The Renegade Traminer – an aromatic blend from two different vineyards, basket-pressed and naturally fermented with wild yeast. dirtcandy.com.au

James Turpie

Fresh on the scene is James Turpie, one of the Becker’s young protégées. He’s about to launch two labels; James Edward Wines, a more traditional label focusing on the varieties he loves (chardonnay, gewürztraminer, rosé, pinot noir as mainstays); and Maison de Turps, which celebrates fun, funk and imperfection, with the aim to impact the fruit as little as possible throughout the winemaking process. instagram.com/jamesedwardwines