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 Vineyard Terroir Guide for Better Bottles

Barossa Vineyard Terroir Guide for Better Bottles

This Barossa vineyard terroir guide explains how soil, altitude and site shape Shiraz, helping you choose bottles with real character, clarity and place.

Barossa Vineyard Terroir Guide for Better Bottles

This Barossa vineyard terroir guide explains how soil, altitude and site shape Shiraz, helping you choose bottles with real character, clarity and place.

Barossa Tapas and Wine Pairing Examples That Work

Barossa Tapas and Wine Pairing Examples That Work

Barossa tapas and wine pairing examples for a relaxed, flavour-packed table: match salty bites, smoky dishes and richer plates with confidence at home.

Barossa Tapas and Wine Pairing Examples That Work

Barossa tapas and wine pairing examples for a relaxed, flavour-packed table: match salty bites, smoky dishes and richer plates with confidence at home.

Premium Australian Shiraz Review for Real Drinkers

Premium Australian Shiraz Review for Real Drinkers

Premium Australian Shiraz review: the real markers of quality in site, season, oak, structure and the food moments that make each bottle sing at home.

Premium Australian Shiraz Review for Real Drinkers

Premium Australian Shiraz review: the real markers of quality in site, season, oak, structure and the food moments that make each bottle sing at home.

What a Wine Tasting Menu Review Should Reveal

What a Wine Tasting Menu Review Should Reveal

A wine tasting menu review that cuts through the fluff: pairings, pacing, provenance and the little details that make a cellar door meal sing properly.

What a Wine Tasting Menu Review Should Reveal

A wine tasting menu review that cuts through the fluff: pairings, pacing, provenance and the little details that make a cellar door meal sing properly.

Adelaide Hills versus Eden Valley Wines

Adelaide Hills versus Eden Valley Wines

Adelaide Hills versus Eden Valley: compare climate, varieties and flavour so you can choose South Australian wine with proper confidence tonight too.

Adelaide Hills versus Eden Valley Wines

Adelaide Hills versus Eden Valley: compare climate, varieties and flavour so you can choose South Australian wine with proper confidence tonight too.

Shiraz Ageing Guide for Better Cellaring

Shiraz Ageing Guide for Better Cellaring

Our Shiraz ageing guide explains how region, structure and storage shape each bottle, so you can pour with confidence now or cellar it longer with ease.

Shiraz Ageing Guide for Better Cellaring

Our Shiraz ageing guide explains how region, structure and storage shape each bottle, so you can pour with confidence now or cellar it longer with ease.

Single Vineyard Wine Buying Guide for Better Bottles

Single Vineyard Wine Buying Guide for Better Bottles

Use this single vineyard wine buying guide to read labels, weigh site and vintage, and buy bottles with real character for the table or cellar at home.

Single Vineyard Wine Buying Guide for Better Bottles

Use this single vineyard wine buying guide to read labels, weigh site and vintage, and buy bottles with real character for the table or cellar at home.

Can Wine Clubs Save Money for Wine Lovers?

Can Wine Clubs Save Money for Wine Lovers?

Can wine clubs save money? Learn how member pricing, delivery, exclusive releases and buying habits shape the real value in every case for wine lovers.

Can Wine Clubs Save Money for Wine Lovers?

Can wine clubs save money? Learn how member pricing, delivery, exclusive releases and buying habits shape the real value in every case for wine lovers.

How to Store Premium Wine Without the Fuss

How to Store Premium Wine Without the Fuss

Learn how to store premium wine with the right temperature, humidity, light and bottle position, so every special pour arrives in brilliant form at home.

How to Store Premium Wine Without the Fuss

Learn how to store premium wine with the right temperature, humidity, light and bottle position, so every special pour arrives in brilliant form at home.

Shiraz Food Pairing Examples That Bring the Noise

Shiraz Food Pairing Examples That Bring the Noise

Shiraz food pairing examples for smoky barbecue, slow-cooked lamb, tapas and cheese, plus smart tips for matching body, spice and regional style at every table.

Shiraz Food Pairing Examples That Bring the Noise

Shiraz food pairing examples for smoky barbecue, slow-cooked lamb, tapas and cheese, plus smart tips for matching body, spice and regional style at every table.