Byrne Vineyards: Vegan-Friendly, Sustainably Grown Wines from Australia

Summary

• Byrne Vineyards in Australia centers its winemaking on vegan principles, avoiding any animal-derived additives and using plant-based fining agents to clarify wines. The operation also prioritizes sustainable viticulture and holds certification with Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, underscoring a commitment to minimizing environmental impact while benefiting local communities and biodiversity along the Murray River. The Byrne family’s legacy spans more than six decades, beginning with the planting of vines on soils rich in limestone and stone, and continuing through four generations who craft wines that speak to their land and values.

• The winery’s portfolio features Chardonnay and Shiraz, including expressions under the AppassAussi label. The 2024 AppassAussi Chardonnay shows a light straw color with green highlights and a bouquet of peach, almond, and citrus, complemented by a subtle touch of oak and a structure-driven, mineral-laden finish. It hails from the Riverland region and carries 12.5% alcohol. The 2022 AppassAussi Shiraz presents a deep red hue with violet hues, offering aromas of red cherries, raspberries, and herbs with refined oak; the palate balances soft tannins with a spice-inflected, lingering finish, and it carries 14% alcohol from Riverland.

  Additionally, Byrne presents a vine-dried Shiraz inspired by the Amarone style. Grapes are dried to intensify flavor concentration, using extended hang time and partial raisining, with careful monitoring during harvest, fermentation, and oak aging to balance richness with freshness. The 2022 Sidney Wilcox Vine Dried Shiraz embodies this approach—velvety, dark-fruited, with notes of dark fruits, spices, and chocolate, finishing smoothly with cinnamon and cloves and a long, elegant finish. This wine is produced in Riverland at about 15.5% alcohol.

• About Byrne Vineyards: The Byrne family’s wine journey began in 1960 when Eric and Romla Byrne acquired a property near Waikerie in South Australia, planting vines on limestone-rich soils. The Scotts Creek vineyard later became the home of Byrne Vineyards, a site developed in the 1970s and later acquired by the Byrne family in 2001. In recent years they have embraced innovative sustainability practices, including returning water to the natural environment and protecting wetlands. The business continues under family leadership, with Petria Byrne serving as CEO and European representation handled by Michael Strater, while contact information remains available through the company’s official channels.

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