Ministry of Clouds is the creation of Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood and it’s just on a decade since they decided to leave the security of the corporate wine world (the ministry) for the adventure (the clouds) of their own wine venture. And it’s been quite a journey thus far.

From the 2012 vintage their first five releases all rated between 94 and 97 points in the Halliday Wine Companion and earned them a spot in the Top Ten New Wineries for the year. Basing themselves in McLaren Vale, they sourced red fruit from around the Vale, securing parcels from some of the most venerable and sought-after old-vine Shiraz and Grenache vineyards.

Grenache delivers what Pinot promises… A celebration of the dogged stubbornness of two McLaren Vale families, who persisted with their plots of Grenache, when other implored them to turn their land to other pursuits. From very old bush vines each vineyard eighty years plus, Ministry of Clouds make a contemporary Grenache with fragrance, succulence and fine boned structure (a little like our favourite Pinots!!). Viva la Grenache!

Showing old vine intensity without heaviness, fragrant cranberry and wild cherry fruit lift, violets, earth, and garrigue herbs: the palate is pure with calming depth and intensity, but kept necessarily fresh by grainy tannins and a bright line of natural acid. - Bernice and Julian, Winemakers

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Grenache
Country - Australia
Region - McLaren Value, South Australia
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.3%