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.

How to Choose Barossa Shiraz Well

How to Choose Barossa Shiraz Well

Learn how to choose Barossa Shiraz with confidence - from style and site to vintage, oak and food pairing, so you buy a bottle you'll love.

How to Choose Barossa Shiraz Well

Learn how to choose Barossa Shiraz with confidence - from style and site to vintage, oak and food pairing, so you buy a bottle you'll love.

Adelaide Hills Wine Tasting Done Right

Adelaide Hills Wine Tasting Done Right

Plan Adelaide Hills wine tasting the smart way - best styles, timing, food matches and how to build a day with real flavour, not fluff.

Adelaide Hills Wine Tasting Done Right

Plan Adelaide Hills wine tasting the smart way - best styles, timing, food matches and how to build a day with real flavour, not fluff.

How to Gift Premium Wine Without Guesswork

How to Gift Premium Wine Without Guesswork

Learn how to gift premium wine with confidence - from choosing the right bottle to matching the moment, budget and recipient perfectly.

How to Gift Premium Wine Without Guesswork

Learn how to gift premium wine with confidence - from choosing the right bottle to matching the moment, budget and recipient perfectly.

What Makes Great Cellar Door Experiences?

What Makes Great Cellar Door Experiences?

Great cellar door experiences blend standout wine, warm hospitality, regional character and food that makes every pour worth lingering over.

What Makes Great Cellar Door Experiences?

Great cellar door experiences blend standout wine, warm hospitality, regional character and food that makes every pour worth lingering over.

9 Best Wines for Tapas Lunch

9 Best Wines for Tapas Lunch

Find the best wines for tapas lunch, from crisp whites to juicy reds, with smart pairing tips for salty, smoky and seafood-heavy Spanish-style plates.

9 Best Wines for Tapas Lunch

Find the best wines for tapas lunch, from crisp whites to juicy reds, with smart pairing tips for salty, smoky and seafood-heavy Spanish-style plates.

Best Wines for Dinner Parties, Sorted

Best Wines for Dinner Parties, Sorted

Find the best wines for dinner parties with smart picks for every menu, guest mix and budget - confident choices that actually get opened.

Best Wines for Dinner Parties, Sorted

Find the best wines for dinner parties with smart picks for every menu, guest mix and budget - confident choices that actually get opened.

A Guide to South Australian Shiraz

A Guide to South Australian Shiraz

A guide to South Australian Shiraz, from Barossa power to cooler-climate spice, with tasting tips, food matches and what to buy with confidence.

A Guide to South Australian Shiraz

A guide to South Australian Shiraz, from Barossa power to cooler-climate spice, with tasting tips, food matches and what to buy with confidence.

How to Choose Cellar Door Tastings Well

How to Choose Cellar Door Tastings Well

Learn how to choose cellar door tastings that suit your palate, budget and style, from quick pours to long lunches and serious regional flights.

How to Choose Cellar Door Tastings Well

Learn how to choose cellar door tastings that suit your palate, budget and style, from quick pours to long lunches and serious regional flights.

How to Choose Shiraz Styles

How to Choose Shiraz Styles

Learn how to choose shiraz styles with confidence - from bright and spicy to rich and powerful - based on region, food, occasion and taste.

How to Choose Shiraz Styles

Learn how to choose shiraz styles with confidence - from bright and spicy to rich and powerful - based on region, food, occasion and taste.

When to Visit Barossa Wineries

When to Visit Barossa Wineries

Wondering when to visit Barossa wineries? Find the best seasons, weekdays and times for tastings, long lunches and a more relaxed cellar door.

When to Visit Barossa Wineries

Wondering when to visit Barossa wineries? Find the best seasons, weekdays and times for tastings, long lunches and a more relaxed cellar door.