First Drop Wines with John Retsas

Send us Fan MailIn this episode we interview John Retsas, the owner and winemaker at First Drop Wines in Barossa Valley, South Australia. John has a clear passion for wine, Australian wine, being brave, trying new things, and doing so with fun and enthusiasm. First Drop Wines has won many accolades including being part of the Wine Spectator Top 100 most exciting wines and the inaugural Young Gun of Wine award winner.In this episode we get to taste some of the emerging wine varietals that First Drop have produced including: 2023 Following the Sun Prosecco, 2023 Endless Summer Pinot Grigio, 2022 Vivo Arneis, 2022 Moderno Barbera, 2014 Forza Nebbiolo, and 2018 Minchia Montepulciano.We also get to hear John’s story, his passion for Australian wine, being a rebel/pioneer, and great food pairings. Thank you John for sharing your story and amazing wines from First Drop Wines. Check out First Drop Wines at https://firstdropwines.com/, https://www.instagram.com/firstdropwines/, https://www.youtube.com/@FirstDropWines, https://www.facebook.com/firstdropwinesSubscribe to @‌TheWinedUp and comment below on your favourite First Drop Wines.Chapters:0:00 Introduction0:42 Most memorable wine?1:48 Wine you still want to try?2:48 Growth in Australian wine3:39 Favourite grape varietal5:45 Unique food and wine pairing?6:30 Advice for those on their wine journey8:38 What triggered your wine journey?11:51 Experience in the wine industry16:20 Where did the name ‘First Drop’ come from?16:54 How are you positioning First Drop Wines?18:30 Home of the Brave Cellar Door19:16 What varietals are you focusing on?20:52 Will Greek varietals be introduced23:01 Is the Australian palate changing?24:25 First Drop Wines - Accolades24:59 2023 Following the Sun Prosecco, First Drop Wines, SA25:33 Rational behind the artwork27:33 2023 Endless Summer Pinot Grigio, First Drop Wines, Adelaide Hills, SA29:57 The anti- brand31:12 2022 Vivo Arneis, First Drop Wines, Adelaide Hills, SA35:05 Why introduce different grape varietals (Pioneer)36:13 2022 Moderno Barbera, First Drop Wines, Adelaide Hills, SA39:06 How do you influence palate weight?39:47 Challenges and opportunities working with growers41:41 2014 Forza Nebbiolo, First Drop Wines, Adelaide Hills, SA45:37 2018 Minchia Montepulciano, First Drop Wines, Adelaide Hills, SA50:04 What’s in the future for First Drop Wines51:45 The Wined Up Conclusion#firstdropwines #southaustralia #adelaidehills #nebbiolo #barbera #montepulciano #arneis #pinotgrigio #prosecco #thewinedup #thewineduppodcast #podcastThe content in this episode are our own personal experiences and opinions. There are no paid ads or promotions.Follow Us on YouTube (@TheWinedUp), Instagram (The.Wined.Up), Tik Tok (@TheWinedUp), Spotify (The Wined Up), Amazon Music ( TheWinedUp), and Apple Podcasts (The Wined Up).  Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au or email us at [email protected].   Drink More, Try More, Learn More.