If you've heard of First Drop Wines, you've heard of Mother's Milk. It's the wine that put this modern Barossa winery on the map - and for good reason. Mother's Milk Barossa Shiraz has been awarded Wine Spectator's Critics' Choice five times and named to the publication's prestigious Top 100 Wines of the World in both 2020 and 2021. It's been called "delicious, elegant, and cool" by The Weekend Australian, and described as "dangerously easy to drink" by anyone who's ever poured a glass.
But what exactly is Mother's Milk, and why has it become one of the most recognisable names in Australian wine?
The Story Behind the Name
First Drop Wines was founded in 2004 by John Retsas and Matt Gant in the Barossa Valley, South Australia. From the beginning, the vision was to make wines that were meant to be enjoyed, not just admired. Mother's Milk was born from that philosophy - a Shiraz designed to be silky, rich, and effortlessly drinkable, without the heavy, over-extracted style that Barossa Shiraz is sometimes known for.
The name itself reflects First Drop's playful, personality-driven approach to wine. It brought humour and character to an Australian wine industry that, at the time, took itself very seriously.
What Does Mother's Milk Taste Like?
Mother's Milk is a plushy, fruit-laden Shiraz packed with bold flavours where the acidity is carefully balanced to refresh the palate. It's matured sur lie for twelve months in three and four year old French oak hogsheads, giving it texture and depth without overpowering the fruit.
As the team at First Drop describes it: "Not a sledgehammer style. Our iconic Mother's Milk Barossa Shiraz is made for drinking."
Wine Enthusiast rated the 2021 vintage as "Excellent," noting its quality and value. On Vivino, Mother's Milk has accumulated over 15,000 ratings from wine drinkers around the world.
Why Wine Critics Love It
Mother's Milk Shiraz has earned recognition from some of the world's most respected wine authorities:
- Wine Spectator Critics' Choice - awarded five times, a remarkable achievement for any Australian wine
- Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of the World - named in both 2020 and 2021
- James Suckling - 93 points
- The Wine Front - 92 points
- Halliday Wine Companion - 92 points and Special Value Wine designation
- The Weekend Australian - Nick Ryan's Best Wines of 2024
- Wine Enthusiast - "Excellent" rating
Where to Buy Mother's Milk Shiraz
Mother's Milk is widely available across Australia and internationally. You can buy it directly from First Drop Wines online. It's also available internationally through distributors in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia.
Larger formats and gift boxes are also available in the online store.
Taste It at the Source
The best way to experience Mother's Milk is at the Home of the Brave - First Drop's cellar door in Nuriootpa, housed in a striking 1930s distillery on the Provenance Barossa Precinct. Join a guided tasting, book a Shiraz Masterclass, or pair it with seasonal tapas from the kitchen. The cellar door is open Monday to Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday 11am-4pm.