Halliday Wine Companion
Halliday Wine Companion
The Halliday Wine Companion Podcast (formerly known as By The Glass) is back with a new look, a new host, and a bunch of new and exciting guests. Join Halliday editor Anna Webster as she sits down with industry experts – including winemakers, sommeliers, distillers, critics, retailers, and more – to chat about, unpack and explore a range of wine- and drinks-related topics. From interviews with t…Social links:
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Wines with swagger: The Michael Hill-Smith Story
In this episode of the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, host Anna Webster sits down with Michael Hill-Smith AM MW, one of the most influential figures in Australian wine. As Australia’s first Master of Wine and co-founder of Shaw + Smith, Tolpuddle Vineyard and MMAD, Michael shares stories from his…
53:00
Wine with altitude: Tessa Brown from Vignerons Schmölzer & Brown
In this episode of the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, winemaker Tessa Brown shares her remarkable journey from growing up on a sugarcane farm in Queensland to establishing boutique winery Vignerons Schmölzer & Brown in Beechworth. Tessa opens up about the challenges and triumphs of winemaking, th…
42:55
Unlocking the secrets of terroir with Pedro Parra, aka Dr Terroir
In this episode of the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, we sit down with Pedro Parra, one of the world’s most respected terroir consultants, to explore the deep and fascinating relationship between land and wine. Pedro shares his remarkable journey from studying music to becoming a global expert o…
1:11:09
Matt Preston meets his match | The ultimate food and wine pairings
In this episode of the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast we sit down with food critic, author, former MasterChef Australia judge, and wine enthusiast Matt Preston to share his distinctive perspective on the world of wine. From the art of tasting and the magic of food pairings to the crucial role of s…
43:51
"Wine should be judged by style, not variety." | Mike Bennie is a Podcast Natural
In this episode of the Halliday Wine Companion podcast, Halliday taster, drinks writer and liquor merchant Mike Bennie shares his path into the wine industry, his passion for natural wines, and how Australia’s wine scene has evolved. He reflects on founding Sydney’s groundbreaking Rootstock Festiva…
41:40
2026 Halliday Wine of the Year | Giles Cooke of Thistledown Wines
In this episode of the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, Giles Cooke MW, co-founder of Thistledown Wines, shares his journey in the wine industry and the philosophy behind his winemaking. He reflects on winning Wine of the Year, the history of the Smart Vineyard in McLaren Vale, and the techniques u…
40:52
2026 Halliday Winemaker of the Year: Virginia Willcock, Vasse Felix
In this episode of the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, recorded the morning after the 2026 Halliday Awards, Anna Webster sits down with Vasse Felix’s chief winemaker Virginia Willcock over a strong coffee to discuss her latest accolade, Winemaker of the Year. Virginia reflects on her remarkable ca…
44:56
Going, going, Grange: Cracking the code of fine-wine auctions with LANGTONS’ Michael Anderson
Step onto the auction floor with Michael Anderson, Head of Auctions at LANGTONS, and discover how rare bottles move from cellar to gavel. We unpack the do’s and don’ts of bidding, reveal the labels that keep climbing in value, and hear Michael’s personal journey from hospitality to helming Australi…
45:45
Philip Rich reveals what it’s really like to be a wine critic, and why Burgundy has his heart | Halliday Tasting Team
In this episode of the Halliday Wine CompanionPodcast, respected wine critic and educator Philip Rich reflects on his decades-long journey through the Australian and global wine landscape. Drawing on his early days in wine retail, including co-founding Prince Wine Store, Philip shares insights into…
41:58
Winery of the Year drops its brand new range | Melanie Chester of Giant Steps
In the first episode of the new and improved Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, Halliday editor and host Anna Webster speaks with Melanie Chester, head winemaker at Giant Steps in the Yarra Valley. We celebrate Giant Steps being named the 2025 Winery of the Year, discuss the importance of terroir, an…
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