Sidewood Sparkling Collection Every so often, a tasting comes along that completely resets your expectations. They are incredibly rare. After decades spent tasting wine and many thousands of bottles from around the world, I genuinely believed I knew where Australian sparkling wine stood. For me, House of Arras has long been the benchmark. At their very best, they produce some of the finest sparkling wines outside Champagne. Which makes what happened next all the more remarkable. I opened the complete Sidewood sparkling collection expecting to find a couple of impressive wines amongst the range. Instead, I discovered something altogether different. This is not a producer that happens to make a good sparkling wine. It is a producer that has quietly mastered every level of sparkling winemaking. Every bottle has a clear purpose, every wine has its own identity, and every step through the collection reveals another layer of ambition. The Estate wines are beautifully judged, immensely drinkable and, quite frankly, some of the finest everyday sparkling wines I have tasted from Australia. Honest, expressive and remarkably satisfying, they consistently over-deliver without ever pretending to be something they are not. The Vigneron's Release wines are where Sidewood really begins to flex its muscles. These are serious sparkling wines of genuine pedigree, benefiting from extended lees ageing, exceptional vineyard sources and meticulous winemaking. They possess the texture, refinement and complexity I normally associate with prestige cuvées, yet somehow remain remarkably accessible. The 2015 Chloe Cuvée and 2018 Isabella Rosé don't simply outperform their peers—they completely redefine what should be expected from sparkling wines at this level. Then come the late-disgorged cuvées—wines that genuinely stopped me in my tracks. The 2013 Chloe Cuvée and 2014 Isabella Rosé have spent well over a decade quietly evolving on their lees before release. That level of patience cannot be rushed, nor can it be replicated through clever winemaking. Time remains the most valuable ingredient of all, and it is written into every glass. These wines possess everything I look for in world-class sparkling wine: breathtakingly fine mousse, immense depth, beautifully integrated autolytic complexity, crystalline acidity, extraordinary persistence and an effortless sense of balance. They are rich without heaviness, complex without excess and remarkably elegant from the first sip to the last. What impressed me most, however, was not simply the quality of the individual wines. It was the progression of the collection as a whole. Every bottle earns its place within the range. Nothing feels out of balance. There are no weak links, no fillers and no wines included simply to satisfy a particular price point. From the Estate range through to the magnificent late-disgorged releases, there is a consistency of vision that very few producers ever achieve. I honestly cannot remember the last time I finished a sparkling wine tasting feeling so excited. If you enjoy Champagne, admire England's finest sparkling wines or already appreciate Australia's leading producers, please don't overlook Sidewood. This is one of the most complete and compelling sparkling collections I have ever had the pleasure of tasting. Pricing & Availability Across the entire collection, the pricing is nothing short of remarkable for wines of this calibre. We have secured these prices through our commitment to purchase a significant allocation directly from Sidewood. It is precisely the sort of opportunity we work hard to create for Vinorium customers. To ensure the wines arrive comfortably ahead of Christmas, we need to confirm our order without delay. Accordingly, this offer closes at 9:00am on Friday 24 July. Any remaining allocation will then be offered to our trade partners, many of whom are already extremely enthusiastic about adding the Sidewood sparkling collection to their portfolios. The wines will be shipped directly from Adelaide to our Ashford HQ, avoiding the additional handling associated with bonded deliveries and saving approximately two weeks compared with our usual London City Bond landing and redelivery process. If you would prefer to cellar your wines, simply let us know when placing your order and we will transfer your purchase to London City Bond, Eton Park, upon arrival. Please note that these wines are being offered on a duty-paid basis only. 
“I can say without hesitation that this comfortably rivals, and for my palate, surpasses the finest Grand Vintage releases.” 
Hand harvested Pinot Noir 35% | 65% Chardonnay Stuart McCloskey, tasted 14 July “The 2013 Chloe Cuvée is a sparkling wine that simply commands your attention. Matured for more than a decade on its lees before late disgorgement, it delivers extraordinary complexity whilst retaining remarkable freshness, vitality and precision. The bouquet unfolds in effortless layers of toasted brioche, warm croissant, acacia honey and roasted hazelnuts, complemented by preserved lemon, baked apple, ripe orchard fruits and a delicate whisper of sea spray. The mousse is exquisitely fine, creating a seamless, creamy texture that glides across the palate before giving way to an incredibly long, mineral-laced finish. There is tremendous depth here, yet the wine never feels heavy, overworked, or tired. Instead, it possesses that rare ability to combine richness with remarkable tension, making every sip utterly compelling. Having enjoyed many bottles of House of Arras during my career, I can say without hesitation that this comfortably rivals, and for my palate, surpasses the finest Grand Vintage releases. In fact, with approximately four to five additional years on its lees compared with many of Australia's most celebrated prestige sparkling wines, it achieves an even greater degree of autolytic complexity, texture and refinement. At its asking price, I can think of nothing that comes remotely close. It is an astonishing wine and, pound for pound, represents one of the greatest bargains in the world of fine sparkling wine. Serve in a Zalto Universal stem. It is magnificent today, yet far from its final destination. Drink now or cellar with complete confidence over the next five to eight years and watch this beautiful wine evolve with even greater depth, harmony and finesse. One final note. Around a year ago, I enjoyed lunch with Giant Steps' Head of Winemaking, Mel Chester. Alongside a superb line-up of wines, we shared a bottle of Nyetimber's flagship 1086 - a magnificent sparkling wine carrying a price tag to match (£150 from the winery). It was a memorable bottle – I have enjoyed a few. Yet, tasting the 2013 Chloe Cuvée today, I can honestly say I find this every bit as compelling. That is perhaps the highest compliment I can pay Sidewood's remarkable achievement.” Pre arrival price £50.00 per bottle Pre order 6 bottles for £255.00 - Only £42.50 per bottle Expected arrival into the UK - Mid November 2026
“One of Australia's truly great sparkling Rosés. It is, quite simply, magnificent.” 
Hand harvested Pinot Noir 60% | 40% Chardonnay Stuart McCloskey, tasted 14 July “If the 2013 Chloe Cuvée showcases power and grandeur, the 2014 Isabella Rosé is its more graceful sibling. Don't mistake elegance for delicacy - This is every bit as concentrated, textural and captivating as the Chloe, simply expressed with greater finesse. I will happily admit that sparkling Rosé is not normally a style I gravitate towards. Isabella completely changed my thinking. In truth, I enjoyed this every bit as much as the magnificent 2013 Chloe. The bouquet is utterly captivating. The freshest raspberries imaginable burst from the glass, accompanied by chilled wild strawberries, redcurrants and delicate summer berries picked at the very height of ripeness. There is an almost cooling purity to the fruit, beautifully framed by subtle notes of rose petal, blood orange zest and a gentle mineral freshness. As the wine evolves in the glass, more than a decade resting on its lees begins to reveal itself through layers of warm brioche, toasted sourdough, roasted almonds, and the faintest whisper of crème pâtissière. Every aroma feels perfectly integrated, with no single element dominating the next. The palate is sublime. The mousse is extraordinarily fine, creating a texture that is both silky and weightless, yet carries remarkable concentration. The red fruit glides effortlessly across the palate before giving way to delicate citrus, chalk and savoury autolytic complexity. There is a wonderful interplay between freshness and richness, between vibrant fruit and the quiet sophistication that only extended lees ageing can provide. The finish seems endless, echoing with pristine raspberry fruit, gentle spice and a lingering mineral precision that leaves you reaching instinctively for another sip. What impresses me most is the restraint. This is not a sparkling Rosé chasing fashion or immediate appeal. It is a wine crafted with extraordinary patience and confidence - a producer willing to wait well over a decade before releasing it, believing that time would create something genuinely exceptional. That philosophy shines through. For me, this is elite Australian winemaking and better than any House of Arras Rosé I have opened. It is a sparkling wine of breathtaking finesse, remarkable complexity, and effortless elegance - a wine that speaks not only of outstanding fruit, but of an enduring desire to craft one of Australia's truly great sparkling Rosés. It is, quite simply, magnificent. Serve in a Zalto Universal stem. Wonderful today, yet far from its final destination. Enjoy now or cellar for the next five to eight years and watch this beautiful wine unfold with even greater complexity and grace.” Pre arrival price £50.00 per bottle Pre order 6 bottles for £255.00 - Only £42.50 per bottle Expected arrival into the UK - Mid November 2026
Sidewood Vigneron's Release Late Disgorged Mixed 6 Pack Contains three bottles of each: Vigneron's Release Chloe Cuvée Sparkling Late Disgorged 2013 Pre arrival price - £255.00 per case (6 x 75cl bottles) Only £42.50 per bottle Expected arrival into the UK - Mid November 2026
“I can honestly say this is the finest sparkling wine I have sampled at this price point. It shouldn't be this good.” 
Stuart McCloskey, tasted 7 July 2026 “This is one seriously impressive sparkling wine. In truth, we were all taken aback by the quality-to-price ratio. I can honestly say this is the finest sparkling wine I have sampled at this price point. It shouldn't be this good. The colour glows a deep golden straw, hinting at the maturity waiting in the glass. From the very first swirl, the bouquet is wonderfully evolved and incredibly generous. Layers of acacia honey, warm brioche, buttered croissant and toasted sourdough mingle effortlessly with roasted hazelnuts, baked apple, preserved lemon and ripe yellow orchard fruits. Extended time on lees has added remarkable complexity, yet everything remains beautifully fresh, vibrant and utterly inviting. The palate is sumptuous. The mousse is exceptionally fine, creating a creamy, almost velvety texture that glides effortlessly across the palate. Honeyed citrus, baked apple, lemon curd and toasted almonds are wrapped in layer upon layer of brioche and delicate patisserie notes. There is genuine richness here, yet the wine never feels heavy. Instead, a bright seam of acidity slices through the generosity, carrying everything towards an impressively long, mineral-laced finish. What impressed me most was just how complete this wine feels. I enjoy the combination of generosity and restraint - rich enough to satisfy, yet precise enough that you instinctively reach for another glass. Every element feels perfectly judged, from the luxurious texture to the pinpoint freshness that keeps the wine poised from start to finish. Serve in a Zalto Universal stem. Throw your flutes away. Drink now or cellar for at least another five years. PS: We have taken our full allocation. Don't come back asking for more once you've opened your first bottle - they simply won't be available. Take my word for it - this is a sparkling wine that will blow your socks off. And for the money, I honestly don't think there's a better bottle currently available. Sorry, England... as much as it pains me to say it, we simply don't produce a sparkling wine at this price that can rival this Aussie. Incredible…” Pre arrival price £28.50 per bottle Pre order 6 bottles for £145.35 - Only £24.22 per bottle Expected arrival into the UK - Mid November 2026
“My job has always been to find wines that over-deliver, and I honestly believe this is another example.” 
Hand-harvested | 60% Pinot Noir | 40% Dijon Chardonnay clones from Sidewood's celebrated Mappinga Road Vineyard, Oakbank Stuart McCloskey, tasted 14 July “Another sparkling wine with genuine pedigree. Sidewood has resisted the temptation to produce a simple, fruit-driven wine designed purely for immediate appeal. Instead, they have crafted a sparkling Rosé of real substance and refinement, allowing hand-harvested fruit from the celebrated Mappinga Road Vineyard to rest peacefully on its lees for a minimum of five years. Sparkling wines at this price are generally crafted for affordability rather than distinction. Compromise is almost expected. The 2018 Isabella refuses to compromise - It is an approach that demanded patience, investment, conviction and an unwavering belief that time would
reward exceptional fruit. Pre arrival price £28.50 per bottle Pre order 6 bottles for £145.35 - Only £24.22 per bottle Expected arrival into the UK - Mid November 2026
Sidewood Vigneron's Release Mixed 6 Pack Contains three bottles of each: Vigneron's Release Chloe Cuvée Sparkling 2015 Pre arrival price - £145.35 per case (6 x 75cl bottles) Only £24.22 per bottle Expected arrival into the UK - Mid November 2026
The following three Estate sparkling wines are, quite frankly, cracking bottles. They don't pretend to be late-disgorged prestige cuvées, nor should they. Instead, they deliver exactly what every great Estate wine ought to: honest winemaking, terrific flavour and an uncanny ability to over-deliver every single time. Judge them for what they are, and you'll discover three of the most satisfying everyday sparkling wines Australia currently produces.
“If there is a better sparkling wine at this level currently being produced in Australia, I would genuinely love to taste it.” 
Sidewood Estate Sparkling Pinot Chardonnay NV 60% Pinot Noir | 40% Chardonnay Stuart McCloskey, tasted 14 July “Winemaker Darryl Catlin has carefully selected the finest parcels of fruit from across the estate, harvesting each block at optimum ripeness. Only the free-run juice is used, with wild yeast fermentation in stainless steel followed by partial malolactic fermentation of the Chardonnay. Extended lees ageing builds texture and complexity before a secondary fermentation and bottling at the estate. If there is a better sparkling wine at this level currently being produced in Australia, I would genuinely love to taste it. Sidewood has achieved something quite remarkable. This is a wine built for everyday enjoyment, yet crafted with the same attention to detail and respect for the fruit that runs throughout the entire sparkling collection. The bouquet is wonderfully pure and inviting. Bright lemon zest, crisp green apple and white peach lead the way, supported by hints of pear, fresh citrus blossom and a gentle sea-spray freshness. Beneath the vibrant fruit lie subtle notes of brioche, freshly baked sourdough and a whisper of toasted almond, adding complexity without ever distracting from the wine's precision. The palate is beautifully composed. A lively, persistent mousse brings an immediate sense of energy, whilst the Pinot Noir contributes generosity and texture, perfectly balanced by the Chardonnay's freshness and drive. Flavours of orchard fruits, preserved lemon and citrus peel glide effortlessly across the palate before giving way to delicate pastry notes and a clean, mineral finish. There is freshness without sharpness, texture without clumsiness and complexity without excess. What impresses me most is the wine's honesty. There are no tricks here, no excessive dosage (8 g/l) and no attempt to disguise the quality of the fruit. It simply delivers everything you could hope for (and more) from a sparkling wine at this level: purity, balance, and immense drinkability.” Pre arrival price - £49.50 per case (3 x 75cl bottles) Only £16.50 per bottle Expected arrival into the UK - Mid November 2026
“This is exactly what modern sparkling rosé should be: bright, confident and impeccably made.” 
Sidewood Estate Sparkling Rosé Pinot Noir NV 100% Pinot Noir Stuart McCloskey, tasted 14 July “A NV sparkling rosé should make you smile from the very first sip. It should be vibrant, refreshing, effortlessly drinkable and impossible to resist. Sidewood has captured that brief beautifully. Sourced entirely from low-yielding Pinot Noir grown in the cool Adelaide Hills, the fruit was chilled within an hour of harvest before gentle pressing, partial malolactic fermentation and extended time on its lees. Every stage of the winemaking has been designed to preserve purity whilst quietly building texture and complexity beneath the exuberant fruit. The bouquet is wonderfully bright and inviting, bursting with freshly picked strawberries, ripe raspberries, redcurrants and sweet cherries, lifted by delicate floral notes and a hint of blood orange. As the wine opens, subtle layers of fresh cream, warm brioche and delicate pastry emerge, adding sophistication without ever overshadowing the vibrant fruit. The palate is beautifully judged. A fine, persistent mousse provides an elegant, creamy texture whilst crystalline acidity keeps everything fresh and energetic. The fruit remains wonderfully precise, flowing effortlessly into gentle citrus, a whisper of savoury spice and a beautifully clean, mineral finish. There is no excess here - just purity, balance and an irresistible sense of drinkability. This is exactly what modern sparkling rosé should be: bright, confident and impeccably made. It possesses all the freshness and charm you could hope for, yet enough texture and winemaking pedigree to remind you this is much, much better than the price tag.” Pre arrival price - £49.50 per case (3 x 75cl bottles) Only £16.50 per bottle Expected arrival into the UK - Mid November 2026
“Sparkling Shiraz should be joyful, characterful and just a little bit indulgent. Sidewood has captured that spirit beautifully.” 
Sidewood Estate Sparkling Shiraz NV Estate-grown Adelaide Hills fruit | 12 Shiraz clones | Wild yeast fermented | Matured for 18 months in large-format French oak prior to secondary fermentation Stuart McCloskey, tasted 14 July “Sparkling Shiraz remains one of Australia's most distinctive wine styles, yet it is also one of the easiest to get wrong. Too often the wines become heavy, cloying or overly sweet, sacrificing freshness for sheer impact. Produced from twelve individual Shiraz clones grown across the estate's Adelaide Hills vineyards, the wine gains remarkable complexity before wild yeast fermentation and eighteen months' maturation in large-format French oak add further layers of character and texture. The colour is wonderfully deep and inviting. Aromas of ripe blackberries, forest berries and red plum leap from the glass, intertwined with raspberry, liquorice, dark chocolate, sweet baking spices and a delicate hint of cinnamon. Beneath the exuberant fruit lies a subtle savoury note that prevents the wine from ever feeling overblown. The palate is where this wine truly comes alive. The mousse is wonderfully frothy and exuberant, bringing an infectious energy that lifts every flavour. I smiled! Waves of blackberry compote, ripe strawberries and juicy damsons glide effortlessly across the palate, supported by hints of bramble leaf, liquorice, dark cocoa and warm cinnamon biscuits. There is sweetness, certainly, but it is beautifully judged, balanced by vibrant acidity and enough freshness to keep everything lively, poised and immensely drinkable. One final confession. I have never been a great champion of Australian Sparkling Shiraz. I admire the very best examples, but often I find myself returning to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. While writing these notes, I absent-mindedly refilled my glass... then did it again... and then a third time. That's probably the highest compliment I can pay it. Sparkling Shiraz should be joyful, characterful and just a little bit indulgent. Sidewood has captured that spirit beautifully. It's delicious, enormously entertaining and, dare I say it, oddly addictive.” Pre arrival price - £49.50 per case (3 x 75cl bottles) Only £16.50 per bottle Expected arrival into the UK - Mid November 2026
A Little Summer Pause… August has traditionally been the quietest month at The Vinorium. Schools break up for the summer, many of our customers head off on holiday, and, for many years now, we have followed suit with our own old-fashioned factory shutdown. After a busy first half of the year, we will be taking a well-earned week's holiday. Our offices will close at the end of business on Friday 7 August, and we will return, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, at 7:00am on Monday 17 August. The last dispatch before we head for the mountains will leave us at 1:00pm on Thursday 6 August. All orders received after this cut-off will be dispatched on Monday 17 August. 
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