It doesn’t feel so long ago that the year 2000 seemed so futuristic it was almost unbelievable.

But here we are, kicking off 2020 and a whole new decade. We thought this timing offered an ideal opportunity to pause and consider how far the Australian wine industry has come, as well as what still lies ahead. So, for this issue – our 50th edition – we put the focus on some of our most agile producers who are working with a range of grape varieties that not only suit the changing climate, but also what they now understand to best suit their sites and regions.

We also ask some of our most successful producers for their reflections from their long careers and what they hope comes next, which drew some surprisingly diverse perspectives. Adding to this snapshot of where things are at right now is our story that features a range of ways newer wine producers are doing things their way.

Our UK-based contibutor Jane Parkinson also looks ahead to 2020 and beyond, declaring that magnums are the way of the future. In doing so, she selects a dozen brilliant 1.5-litre options from around the world. They make excellent ideas for summer entertaining, as do the five other examples featured on our Wishlist page. And if you’re still stuck for seasonal wine ideas, our article on cabernet franc will help on the red wine front, while our regular section of 100 wines and their tasting notes will surely seal the deal.

There’s plenty more in here to provide a stack of wine, food and travel inspiration, so we hope it all helps to start your new year in the best possible way.