The story of Australian wine is one of ambition, innovation, and resilience. From the arrival of the first European grapevine cuttings, sourced from England and the Cape of Good Hope, the country’s wine industry has steadily grown, becoming an integral part of its cultural and economic landscape. Now, this remarkable journey is finally told in its entirety.

The Australian Ark, Andrew Caillard MW’s masterful work, chronicles over two centuries of Australian wine history with both passion and precision. More than just a book, this is a sweeping narrative that captures the drive and distinctiveness of a continent once predicted to become the “France of the Southern Hemisphere.”

Andrew Caillard MW is one of Australia’s most influential wine experts. As the co-founder of Langton’s auction house, author of several books, and associate producer of award-winning documentaries Red Obsession and Blind Ambition, he has dedicated much of his career exploring Australia’s wine ambitions, its pioneering families, and its social, economic, and political history.

To bring this fascinating story to life, we are delighted to welcome Dr Angus Hughson, the editorial co-publisher of The Australian Ark, who has worked closely with Andrew, to bring his magnum opus to fruition. This beautiful edition, comprising three fully-indexed volumes, 1400 images and around 500,000 words, is the culmination of 17 years of research and writing. The stunning and unprecedented reviews from critics around the world confirm The Ark’s significant contribution to wine culture and literature.

As a lead critic for the influential fine wine publication VINOUS and a widely followed Australian wine writer, Dr Angus Hughson, is visiting Bordeaux to stimulate interest in The Australian Ark and to highlight the vinicultural connections between France and Australia over the last two hundred years and more.

Angus, who has a PhD on the psychology of wine tasting, has selected six exceptional wines, many of which are based on surviving pre-phylloxera 19th and early 20th Century “francs de pied” vineyards.  He is a thoroughly engaging and entertaining speaker with a deep knowledge of Australian wine and culture. Through the prism of this tasting, he will take you on a memorable journey of enlightened ambitions and imaginative winemaking stories.