Henschke is one of Australia’s most respected family wineries, founded in 1868 in Keyneton, South Australia, and known for both historic old-vine Shiraz and expressive Rieslings from the Eden Valley.

Henschke began championing premium Riesling in the 1950s under Cyril Henschke, and the single-vineyard Julius label was first released in 1993 as a tribute to ancestor Albert Julius Henschke.

Riesling from this region is renowned for citrus zest, lime and mineral intensity, and the Julius bottling has achieved critical acclaim and ageing potential, often garnering awards and high scores in wine competitions.

The Henschke family also farms other varieties including Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Semillon, balancing tradition with refined winemaking across generations.

South Australia is home to many of the country’s flagship regions, stretching from the warm inland Riverland to the ocean-cooled Limestone Coast. Climate: broadly Mediterranean, moderated by the Southern Ocean, gulf breezes and high altitudes in the Adelaide Hills; Barossa is warm/continental, Eden and Clare elevated and cooler, Coonawarra maritime. Soils range from terra rossa over limestone (Coonawarra) to sandy loams, schistous gravels and red-brown earths. Key areas: Barossa & Eden Valleys, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Clare Valley, Coonawarra, Langhorne Creek and Riverland. Shiraz and Cabernet lead—plum, blackberry, spice, chocolate or minty cassis—alongside Grenache/GSM blends, benchmark Riesling (lime, talc, blossom) and modern Chardonnay/Pinot from the Hills. Expect ripe fruit, clear varietal character, polished tannins and vibrant acidity.

Riesling is one of the world’s most esteemed white grape varieties, originating in Germany’s Rhine region during the 15th century. Celebrated for its purity of expression, Riesling thrives in cool climates and is known for its remarkable balance of acidity, aromatic intensity, and ageing potential.

Viticulturally, Riesling is a hardy, late-budding vine well-suited to steep, well-drained slopes. It ripens slowly, allowing it to develop vibrant acidity and a complex flavour profile. The grape is highly expressive of terroir, producing distinctive wines based on soil type, climate, and winemaking style.

Germany remains Riesling’s spiritual home, particularly in regions like the Mosel, Rheingau, and Pfalz. It is also widely grown in Alsace (France), Austria (notably in the Wachau and Kamptal), Australia’s Clare and Eden Valleys, and the Finger Lakes and Washington State in the USA. In each of these regions, Riesling produces wines of great character and diversity.

Riesling styles range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, including sparkling and late-harvest versions. Classic flavours include green apple, lime, white peach, and jasmine, often with mineral or petrol-like notes as the wine ages. Its naturally high acidity makes it an excellent partner for a wide range of foods, including spicy cuisine and aromatic dishes.