Handpicked Wines is a premium Australian wine producer headquartered in Sydney, with a global reputation for crafting regionally expressive wines sourced from sustainably managed vineyards across Australia and internationally. Known for its commitment to terroir-driven winemaking and certified sustainable practices, Handpicked Wines is a vertically integrated wine business operating vineyards, a state-of-the-art urban cellar door, and international export networks.
Company Overview
Founded in the early 2000s, Handpicked Wines was built around the concept of curating wines from the best regions globally while maintaining full control over viticulture and production. The company owns and operates vineyards in iconic wine-producing regions such as:
- Mornington Peninsula (Victoria)
- Yarra Valley (Victoria)
- Barossa Valley (South Australia)
- Margaret River (Western Australia)
- Tasmania
In addition to its Australian holdings, Handpicked also produces select wines in New Zealand, Italy, and France, making it one of the few Australian brands with such a comprehensive global footprint.
Product Portfolio
Handpicked Wines offers a broad and carefully curated range of wines segmented across collections that reflect region, varietal typicity, and winemaking philosophy.
Key Categories:
-
Sparkling Wines
- NV Tasmania Sparkling Cuvée
- Prosecco (Italian-grown and Australian versions)
-
White Wines
- Chardonnay (Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula)
- Fiano, Marsanne, Pinot Grigio, Riesling
-
Rosé Wines
- Dry Rosé from Yarra Valley and Southern France
-
Red Wines
- Pinot Noir (Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula)
- Shiraz (Barossa Valley, Heathcote)
- Nebbiolo, Nero d'Avola, Merlot, Grenache
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Merlot blends
-
Fortified Wines
- Premium small-batch Ports and barrel-aged special releases
Each wine is produced with minimal intervention to allow the characteristics of the varietal and region to shine.
Estate Vineyards and Sustainability
Handpicked Wines is at the forefront of environmentally responsible viticulture in Australia.
- Certified Sustainable: All estate vineyards are Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certified
- Biodiversity Programs: Implementation of cover cropping, integrated pest management, and water conservation
- Solar Energy: Winery operations in Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley partially powered by solar
- Carbon Footprint: Actively tracked with programs in place to reduce emissions across logistics and production
Winemaking and Production Facilities
- Urban Cellar Door: Located in Chippendale, Sydney, featuring a working winery, tasting bar, and event space
- Production Capacity: Over 200,000 cases annually across collections
- Small Batch Fermentation: Allows experimentation and premium lot control
- Wine Storage & Distribution: Climate-controlled warehouses servicing national and international markets
Market Reach and Export Data
Handpicked Wines is one of Australia’s most internationally visible boutique producers.
- Export Markets: Over 20 countries including China, Japan, USA, UK, Singapore, and South Korea
- Export Volume (2023): Estimated over 40,000 cases globally
- International Recognition: Featured in Michelin-starred restaurants and premium wine bars worldwide
Awards and Recognition
Handpicked Wines has garnered accolades from respected global wine competitions and publications:
- James Halliday Wine Companion: Consistently rated 5 Red Star winery
- IWSC & Decanter Awards: Multiple gold and silver medals for Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and Nebbiolo
- Wine & Spirit Competition Asia: Trophies for Best New World Pinot Noir
- Australian Export Awards Finalist
Retail and Distribution
- National Retail Presence: Available in Dan Murphy’s, Vintage Cellars, and independent wine merchants across Australia
- Online Sales: Fully integrated D2C platform with wine club membership and curated gift boxes
- Tasting Experiences: Offered through the Sydney Cellar Door and vineyard visits in Victoria
Branding and Experience
The Handpicked Wines brand is positioned at the intersection of premium craftsmanship and global exploration. Through immersive branding, storytelling, and modern packaging, the company connects deeply with wine lovers seeking provenance, sustainability, and quality.
“Our wines are made with integrity, passion and a respect for the land. Each bottle tells a story of a place, a grape, and a winemaker’s vision.”
— Peter Dillon, Chief Winemaker
Customer Testimonials
“Handpicked’s Pinot Noir is world-class. Their Yarra Valley range rivals anything out of Burgundy.”
— Sommelier, Two-Hatted Restaurant, Melbourne
“We’ve imported Handpicked Wines for over six years. The quality, branding, and client response are unmatched.”
— Distributor, Singapore
Strategic Advantages
- Global Vineyard Access: Allows production of wines from top-tier regions globally
- Certified Sustainability: Appeals to environmentally conscious consumers
- Award-Winning Quality: Consistent recognition in elite wine circles
- Diverse Portfolio: Wines at multiple price points without compromising quality
- Urban Cellar Door: Enhances brand interaction and experiential marketing
Handpicked Wines exemplifies the modern Australian wine success story — rooted in tradition, expanded by innovation, and sustained by global excellence.