First Drop Journal

Pull up a chair. Pour a glass. You’ve just landed at the First Drop Journal - our little corner of the internet where Barossa's boldest ideas flow as freely as the Shiraz.

This is where we share our unique home recipes and expert pairing tips, as well as what’s happening behind the scenes at First Drop Wines: from the vineyards of the Barossa, Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale, to the buzz of our cellar door and tapas lunches, to the wines that keep the good times rolling.

Barossa Shiraz vs Syrah: What’s the Difference?

Barossa Shiraz vs Syrah: What’s the Difference?

Barossa Shiraz vs Syrah: learn how climate, oak and winemaking shape each style, plus smart food matches and tips for choosing your next bottle tonight.

Barossa Shiraz vs Syrah: What’s the Difference?

Barossa Shiraz vs Syrah: learn how climate, oak and winemaking shape each style, plus smart food matches and tips for choosing your next bottle tonight.

Premium Barossa Winery Review Worth the Trip?

Premium Barossa Winery Review Worth the Trip?

Our premium Barossa winery review cuts through the ceremony: how to spot serious Shiraz, memorable food and a cellar door with proper character and bite.

Premium Barossa Winery Review Worth the Trip?

Our premium Barossa winery review cuts through the ceremony: how to spot serious Shiraz, memorable food and a cellar door with proper character and bite.

How to Taste Single Vineyard Wine Properly

How to Taste Single Vineyard Wine Properly

Learn how to taste single vineyard wine with confidence, from reading site clues to noticing texture, balance and detail a place leaves in the glass.

How to Taste Single Vineyard Wine Properly

Learn how to taste single vineyard wine with confidence, from reading site clues to noticing texture, balance and detail a place leaves in the glass.

7 Best South Australian Wine Experiences to Try

7 Best South Australian Wine Experiences to Try

Plan the best South Australian wine experiences: Barossa long lunches, Adelaide Hills cool-climate pours and cellar doors with real character. No stuffiness.

7 Best South Australian Wine Experiences to Try

Plan the best South Australian wine experiences: Barossa long lunches, Adelaide Hills cool-climate pours and cellar doors with real character. No stuffiness.

Barossa Wine Tourism Trends Worth Watching

Barossa Wine Tourism Trends Worth Watching

Barossa wine tourism trends are moving towards longer lunches, deeper tastings and relaxed, region-led experiences that put flavour at the heart.

Barossa Wine Tourism Trends Worth Watching

Barossa wine tourism trends are moving towards longer lunches, deeper tastings and relaxed, region-led experiences that put flavour at the heart.

How to Buy Premium Wine Online With Confidence

How to Buy Premium Wine Online With Confidence

Ready to buy premium wine online? Learn how region, producer, vintage and occasion shape smarter picks, from weeknight pours to cellar-worthy bottles.

How to Buy Premium Wine Online With Confidence

Ready to buy premium wine online? Learn how region, producer, vintage and occasion shape smarter picks, from weeknight pours to cellar-worthy bottles.

When to Decant Shiraz Wine for Its Best Pour

When to Decant Shiraz Wine for Its Best Pour

Wondering when to decant shiraz wine? Learn the cues for young, aged and cellar-worthy bottles, then serve each generous glass at its best, every time.

When to Decant Shiraz Wine for Its Best Pour

Wondering when to decant shiraz wine? Learn the cues for young, aged and cellar-worthy bottles, then serve each generous glass at its best, every time.

Premium Wine Gifting Guide That Gets It Right

Premium Wine Gifting Guide That Gets It Right

A premium wine gifting guide for choosing bottles with style, provenance and personality - without getting stiff, generic or overblown.

Premium Wine Gifting Guide That Gets It Right

A premium wine gifting guide for choosing bottles with style, provenance and personality - without getting stiff, generic or overblown.

Single Vineyard vs Regional Blend

Single Vineyard vs Regional Blend

Single vineyard vs regional blend: learn how each style shapes flavour, structure and value, and which bottle suits your table or cellar.

Single Vineyard vs Regional Blend

Single vineyard vs regional blend: learn how each style shapes flavour, structure and value, and which bottle suits your table or cellar.

Shiraz vs Syrah Differences, Explained

Shiraz vs Syrah Differences, Explained

Shiraz vs syrah differences come down to style, region and winemaking. Here’s how the same grape can taste wildly different in the glass.

Shiraz vs Syrah Differences, Explained

Shiraz vs syrah differences come down to style, region and winemaking. Here’s how the same grape can taste wildly different in the glass.