Why Australian wine must change now | Louisa Rose of Yalumba

In this episode of the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, host Anna Webster sits down with legendary Australian winemaker Louisa Rose from Yalumba. From growing up in Melbourne to becoming one of the most respected voices in Australian wine, Louisa shares her remarkable journey through decades of winemaking, sustainability leadership and innovation. They explore Yalumba’s pioneering work with viognier, wild fermentation, vegan-friendly wines, climate adaptation, old vines, and the challenges facing the global wine industry today. This is a must-listen for wine lovers, collectors, hospitality professionals and anyone curious about where wine is heading next. Yalumba Yalumba on Instagram Louisa Rose on Instagram Halliday Wine Companion Halliday Wine Companion on Instagram Anna Webster on Instagram Buy the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion   Key Topics Covered Louisa Rose’s path from Melbourne to Yalumba in the Barossa Why Australian wine must change now | Louisa Rose of Yalumba ow Yalumba helped revive viognier in Australia Why wild fermentation creates better wines The truth about vegan wine production Sustainability in vineyards and wineries Climate change, water use and drought-resistant rootstocks Old-vine grenache and Australia’s winemaking heritage The Rare & Fine Collection including Virgilius and Tri-Centenary Grenache Why Australian wine needs stronger storytelling globally The future of wine consumption and industry change   Standout Quotes “We have to earn our place.”Louisa Rose on the future of wine in a changing climate. “If you can find a food match that doesn’t go with viognier, let me know.” “The wild yeast just works so well.” Few guests offer the perspective Louisa Rose brings. Her career spans innovation, commercial success, environmental leadership and genuine love for wine. This conversation gives listeners insight into how premium Australian wine is made, marketed and protected for future generations. YouTube Chapters 00:00 Meet Louisa Rose from Yalumba00:48 Growing up in Melbourne and discovering wine02:14 Why physics was the backup plan03:19 How Louisa landed a job at Yalumba04:40 What Yalumba was like in the 1990s05:51 Becoming Head Winemaker08:42 Why wild fermentation changed everything12:57 Vineyard yeast vs winery yeast explained14:48 Why Yalumba made all wines vegan16:53 Signature vineyard and old vine history18:17 Sustainability inside a major winery22:30 Bottle weight, packaging and carbon footprint25:34 Climate change, rootstocks and water use  28:32 The Concerned Elders group explained30:25 Why the wine industry is struggling33:00 How Australian wine is viewed overseas33:49 Rare & Fine Collection tasting35:40 Tri-Centenary Grenache explained38:45 The history of The Signature wine45:22 Why viognier became Yalumba’s Icon50:49 Why viognier is growing again53:13 What’s next for Louisa Rose and Yalumba55:33 Final thoughts   Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, Louisa Rose podcast, Yalumba podcast, Australian wine podcast, Barossa Valley wine podcast, Viognier Australia, vegan wine Australia, sustainable wine Australia, Louisa Rose Yalumba, old vine Grenache Australia, Halliday wine interview, best wine podcasts Australia  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.