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Late last year I had the pleasure of speaking with Pipa Nielson who gave an exciting and colourful introduction to the Western Australian region of Geographe wine region. Following that first course in Geographe education, Pipa arranged a second: a conversation with wine rockstar, Kim Horton, of Willow Bridge Estate.

After growing up in the Swan Valley, Kim has made wine across multiple regions in WA, and in this conversation I get to ask him what makes Geographe, and the broader WA wine scene, so very special. Kim’s story is also fascinating, with early aspirations in the finance sector… aspirations that took a remarkably different turn.

What follows is a deep dive into a young region that’s still defining itself. We talk about the diversity of Geographe, from coastal plains to the elevated Ferguson Valley, and how that translates into a wide spectrum of wine styles.

This is a conversation about people and craft. Kim shares what it’s really like to be a winemaker: the highs, the setbacks, and the reality of building a career in an industry that’s anything but predictable.

This is Geographe, through the eyes of someone living and shaping it.

A huge thanks to Kim Horton for joining.

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Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

To borrow from Monty Python: now for something completely different.

This episode steps away from the usual B2B conversations and industry stories, and into something I don’t usually focus on… wine tasting.

When a mystery box of wine appeared on my doorstep, filled with a collection of genuinely exotic and intriguing bottles, I did what anyone would do: I tracked down the sender. That trail led me to none other than the talented, guitar-shredding, wine-slinging Marc Malouf of iHeart Wine, and a very generous supporter and benefactor.

So I thought, why not lean into it?

In this episode, we put the usual format to one side and let Marc guide us through a flavour-filled journey across a lineup of wines that are as diverse as they are exciting.

For those who are interested, the lineup includes:

• A fun 2020 Nebbiolo blend from the Muraje label in Piedmont;
• A 2024 Vermentino from La Magia in Tuscany;
• The 2022 Definitus Pinot Noir from Tapanappa’s Foggy Hill Vineyard in the Fleurieu Peninsula;
• A 2023 Mas Jullien rosé from France’s Languedoc region;
• A 2023 Clos Marie Manon, also from the Languedoc region;
• And finally, a Blanc de Blancs from Boll & Cie in Champagne.

Along the way, we’re joined by a special guest, my brother-in-law Mac, bringing a fresh perspective as a passionate foodie discovering these wines in real time, whenever I let him get a word in. Yes, I know I can yap.

I hope you enjoy this different style chit chat, and a massive thanks to Marc and Mac for joining me.

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