This session is part of CONNECT Conversation's monthly Variety Focus Series. On the first Tuesday of every month, we will uncover the uniqueness of Australia’s climate, landscape and regional wines through the lens of a specific variety or style.

Our focus for November is on alternative varieties.

Mark Davidson, Wine Australia’s Head of Education Development, looks at the history of alternative varieties in Australia, the reasons behind their rising popularity and the leading regions, styles and producers. He talks with Ashley Ratcliff of Ricca Terra Farms in the Riverland about why he began planting alternative varieties in the mid 2000s (he has over 40 varieties planted now), how well-suited they can be to the changing climate and which varieties have the most potential to become more widely adopted.

To view other sessions within the Variety Focus Series, please visit or register for CONNECT and go to the Conversations tab.