October News 2025
Oct 16, 2025
Once the long weekend comes and goes it definitely feels like we are well into Spring. October is one of the most beautiful times to visit Two Hands and the Barossa. With budburst almost complete across the region the vineyards look fantastic and the buzz of a new season can be felt around the valley.
There is plenty of activity around Two Hands as well. Cellar Door is seeing lots of visitors from around Australia and its wonderful to be welcoming so many international guests as well.
In this edition of Instinctively Curious we share the latest news and events happening around Marananga and events we have coming up interstate. We hope you enjoy this latest edition of our newsletter and hope we get to share a glass with you soon.
IN THE VINEYARD
Budburst is rolling through Holy Grail and our Marananga blocks, those tiny flecks of pink and lime unfurling along the canes as the fruit set begins. This important phase of the season is critical to understanding the potential yields we will see in 2026. It’s a gorgeous but delicate moment with warm Barossa days building momentum and new growth, whilst cool nights slow the pace and allow for steady growing conditions. As the new shoots grow to about 10cm, the leaves begin to unfurl and separate. This stage, known as E-L12, on the Modified E-L Growth Stage Chart, sees inflorescence begin to appear. Inflorescence is the formation of the flowers that will eventually turn into grapes.
Our Double Guyot “M” training helps keep shoots spaced for airflow and balanced crop load as we guide the canopy through this early growth phase. Out by Cellar Door, the new nature trail continues to take shape, and we’ve welcomed our first Highland calf of the season and the first born at Marananga! Still working on names but a front runner if he is a boy is Calvin, the C name tying in nicely with Cleo and Clem and sounds like Cowvin. 😁
AT CELLAR DOOR
Luke and Elaine are about to head north for a week in Queensland, hosting tastings on the Sunshine Coast and in Brisbane.
This weekend we have two great events happening on the beautiful Sunshine Coast. A casual tasting with Luke in Golden Beach and a wonderful long-table lunch at Spicers Tamarind in Maleny. Follow the links to secure your spot, don't miss out!
GOOD FOOD AND WINE SHOW
From the hottest chilli sauces to the smelliest cheeses, the Margaret River to the Barossa Valley, the Good Food & Wine Show brings together the most delicious and exciting producers from across Australia, and we’re part of it once again.
Brisbane, you’ve always shown your love for our wines, so come find us just outside the Barossa Pavilion at Stand R12. The show kicks off Friday and Saturday from 9 am, and Sunday from 10 am.
Back home, the cellar door is buzzing on sunny weekends with tastings on the deck. With Spring weather being beautiful one day and windy the next, bookings are always a good idea to make sure you snag a spot by the window away from the wind if the deck is not open on the day of your visit!
Eagle-eyed recent cellar door visitors may have noticed that we had some Angel's Share Shiraz half bottles available. We are excited to announce that we also now have the newly released 2024 vintage Gnarly Dudes Shiraz in 375ml bottles! Perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying a glass to yourself on a weeknight.
ON THE ROAD WITH PIERRE-HENRI
Pierre, our Proprietor and GM, has just returned from Dubai and the UK after catching up with our distributors and sharing what’s new from Marananga.
A highlight was meeting the team at The Porto Protocol, a global wine community dedicated to climate change leadership. We’re proud to be one of only eight Australian wineries involved in this global wine network that fast tracks climate solutions by sharing what works, what doesn’t, and what to try next. It’s collaboration in action, and it keeps us sharp as we continue to plant natives, care for soil, and invest in water wise farming around Holy Grail and our home blocks.
Closer to home, we’re welcoming the team from Red + White this week, our national and New Zealand distributor and long-time partners. If you spot and get to enjoy Two Hands on a restaurant list or store shelf anywhere in Australia or NZ, their hard work is a big part of the reason. This visit also marks 20 years of working side by side, an achievement worth celebrating.
NEW EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARY
Spring and early summer are shaping up beautifully. A few new additions to the calendar:
Wine Debut at the Adelaide Zoo 2025
Adelaide Zoo, SA
Friday 7 November · from 6:30pm
Sunset on Seppeltsfield Road
Seppeltsfield Road, Marananga
Friday 21 November · 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Adelaide Wine Festival
Morphettville Racecourse, Adelaide
Sunday 23 November · 11:00am – 5:00pm
IN THE WINERY
Richard and the winery team are busy preparing wines for bottling. Richard recently let us know that he will sometimes taste over 150 wines in a single day! (phew, life is tough for some isn't it!) And yes, he spits them out. Barrel sampling, putting together trial blends and assessing wines both pre and post bottling is all in a days work for a winemaker. Not a day goes by that his tasting bench isn't full of bottles and wine samples.
Recently Pierre-Henri and Richard sampled some of the 2025 reds from barrel and the early reports are good. With a somewhat smaller yield due to the drier conditions this past vintage, we are seeing some excellent examples amongst the Shiraz with great fruit profiles and fine tannin structure. We have recently released the 2025 Trusty Rusty Rose, and Morgan can attest to how good it is. We will also soon be releasing 2025 The Boy Riesling, watch this space.
STAY BY YOUR PHONE!
Our end-of-year telephone campaign launches next week. If you see a call from us, don’t hesitate to pick up. We’ve lined up some great seasonal deals with great gift ideas for Christmas and some delicious summer sippers, and you might just be offered access to back vintage releases not available anywhere else.
This campaign includes:
- Special offers on some of your favourite Picture Series wines
- A terrific six-pack featuring wines from our Barossa vineyards
- A rare and limited museum mixed six-pack from the Flagship Series
The team will be calling from this number 08 8166 5159 so keep an eye out. If you prefer not to get phone calls, just let us know!
WINE OF THE MONTH
LUCKY DUCK
Adelaide Hills Sparkling
This month we are releasing the 2019 Lucky Duck Sparkling. The 2019 is special as it is this year 100% Pinot Noir. Still made in the traditional method with a long time on lees where it develops line, length and that chalk-fine bead we love. Perfect for warm evenings, long lunches and festive season clinking.
WHAT ARE TEAM THW DRINKING AT THE MOMENT?
As the weather is warming up members of the team are reaching for:
Lucky Duck | The new 2019 release, Adelaide Hills Sparkling. Refreshing, fun and bubbly
Hell Freezes Over | Chardonnay for stone-fruit glide, perfect when the weather is still hot and cold.
Gnarly Dudes | Barossa Shiraz to remind you why red season never really ends around here, 2024 is looking great for a young release.
Elaine is originally from China, but has fully embraced the Barossa Valley as home, drawn to our vibrant community and exceptional wines. Her passion for wine lies in sharing the stories and craft of each bottle, along with creating memorable experiences for guests. "At Two Hands Wines, I guide visitors through our unique portfolio, showcasing the character of our vineyards and the beauty of the Barossa’s terroir. For me, wine is a bridge that connects cultures, sparks conversation, and celebrates this remarkable region."
Favourite thing about the Barossa?
Seeing the vineyards everyday, I love going for a run and getting to pass them. Especially in the early morning when the light hits the vines.
What do you love doing in your free time?
I love on Saturday mornings being able to visit the Barossa market near Angaston so easily and buy local produce.
Favourite food and wine pairing?
Yacca’s Block Shiraz paired with pan-fried Chinese Char Siu pork, the smoky sweetness and spice match beautifully.
Favourite Two Hands wine?
Yacca’s Block Shiraz, it is elegant, balanced, and full of character.
We’ve curated the perfect soundtrack to match the season. Pop this playlist on while you sip a glass of Gnarly or Hell Freezes Over!
