Wyndham Sparkling Shiraz

Wyndham Sparkling Shiraz is a non-vintage Australian sparkling red wine made from Shiraz grapes, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a 750ml format. Rooted in one of Australia's oldest winemaking legacies, this expression showcases the bold fruit and spice character that define Australian sparkling reds — a uniquely Australian wine style with few parallels elsewhere in the world.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: South Eastern Australia  |  Non-Vintage  |  Producer: Wyndham Estate (Pernod Ricard)

Production & Heritage

George Wyndham planted Shiraz vines in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales in 1828, establishing one of Australia's pioneering wine estates. Now under Pernod Ricard ownership since 1990, Wyndham Estate draws fruit from premium vineyards across South Eastern Australia. This sparkling expression is a non-vintage blend: younger wines contribute lifted primary fruit characters, while older reserve parcels add softness and complexity. The wine undergoes a secondary fermentation that produces its fine, persistent mousse, and selected parcels of full-flavored Shiraz are chosen specifically for their intensity and structure.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Rich berry fruit leads on the nose, followed by lifted Shiraz spice and subtle yeast complexity. Traces of light vanillin oak sit beneath the fruit, adding depth without overpowering the varietal character.

Taste: The entry is plummy and generous, with dark blackberry and ripe berry flavors dominating the mid-palate. Medium to full weight on the palate, the fine mousse carries flavors of chocolate and spice, while soft tannins provide structure without astringency.

Finish: Moderate in length with lingering dark fruit and a gentle peppery warmth. The tannins resolve cleanly, leaving a balanced impression of fruit sweetness and spice.

How to Drink Wyndham Sparkling Shiraz

Serve lightly chilled — around 14–16°C (57–61°F) — to preserve the mousse while allowing the full spectrum of fruit and spice to open up. This is a wine that rewards a generous glass rather than a narrow flute, giving the aromatics room to develop.

• Sparkling Shiraz Sangria: The bold berry fruit and spice hold up beautifully against citrus and seasonal fruit additions.
• Kir Royale variation: Substitute for traditional Champagne — the dark fruit intensity creates a richer, more dramatic version of the classic.
• Australian Sparkler cocktail: Pair with a splash of cassis or blackberry liqueur to amplify the natural dark fruit notes.

Best For

• Introducing friends to the Australian sparkling red wine tradition
• Holiday gatherings where a festive, conversation-starting wine is welcome
• Pairing with barbecue or roasted meats at outdoor celebrations
• Adding a bold sparkling option to a wine tasting lineup alongside traditional method wines

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Wyndham Sparkling Shiraz taste like? It delivers dark plummy and blackberry fruit with Shiraz spice and hints of chocolate, carried by a fine persistent mousse and supported by soft tannins.

How does Wyndham Sparkling Shiraz compare to Seppelt Original Sparkling Shiraz? Both are widely available Australian sparkling reds at accessible price points. Seppelt Original is often noted for slightly more refined bubbles and complexity from extended aging, while Wyndham leans into bolder, more fruit-forward intensity.

Is Wyndham Sparkling Shiraz good for beginners exploring sparkling reds? Yes — its approachable fruit sweetness, soft tannins, and moderate weight make it an accessible entry point into a wine style that can otherwise seem unusual to newcomers.

Where is Wyndham Sparkling Shiraz made? It is produced by Wyndham Estate, originally established by George Wyndham in 1828 in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales. The fruit for this sparkling expression is sourced from premium vineyards across the broader South Eastern Australia zone.

What foods pair well with Wyndham Sparkling Shiraz? Smoked brisket or pulled pork — the dark fruit echoes smoky char; aged cheddar — tannins cut through fat; dark chocolate desserts — the wine's chocolate notes create a seamless match; roast lamb with rosemary — the Shiraz spice complements herbal seasoning; charcuterie boards featuring cured meats — effervescence lifts rich, salty flavors.

What sizes does Wyndham Sparkling Shiraz come in? The standard format is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available size.

Is Wyndham Sparkling Shiraz worth the price? It positions as an entry-level Australian sparkling Shiraz, making it a reasonable value for those curious about the style or seeking a crowd-pleasing sparkling red without a significant investment.

Why Wyndham Sparkling Shiraz?

Australian sparkling Shiraz is a category with no real equivalent elsewhere in the wine world, and Wyndham Estate brings nearly two centuries of Shiraz expertise to the style. The non-vintage blending strategy — combining youthful fruit intensity with the softening effect of older reserve wines — delivers a wine that drinks above its price tier. For anyone looking to explore this distinctly Australian tradition, the combination of bold dark fruit, fine mousse, and approachable tannin structure makes this a legitimate starting point with genuine varietal character.