3 MONTHS AGO • 2 MIN READ

A Shiraz That Packs a Koala Hug 🐨

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Vine In The Rough

Unearthing the best wines under $15, without the snooty wine talk. We’re here to prove that you don’t need a sommelier certification to enjoy a great bottle. From weeknight sips to dinner party picks, this is your friendly, down-to-earth newsletter in search for impressive yet affordable wines…and the ultimate "vine in the rough".

💎 Here To Find Hidden Gems 💎

Welcome to Vine in the Rough, a weekly newsletter released every Thursday, just in time for your pre-weekend bottle-o run. Our mission is to unearth the best wines under $15 and present them to you without the snooty wine talk.

It's our self-appointed responsibility to guide you towards the best budget-friendly finds that won’t disappoint via our light-hearted, relatable reviews.

We’re here to prove that you don’t need a sommelier certification to enjoy a great bottle. From weeknight sips to dinner party picks, this is your friendly, down-to-earth newsletter in search of impressive yet affordable wine.

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A Shiraz That Feels Like a Hug From a Very Strong Koala 🐨

🍷 Grant Burge Classic Collection Shiraz

Ah, the Grant Burge Classic Collection Shiraz...an Aussie red that packs a punch and doesn’t apologise for it. This is one of our favourites, and deserves to open the batting for Vine in the Rough.

Think of this wine as your cool uncle at a BBQ: bold, full of stories, and probably wearing a shirt with questionable taste...but somehow it just works. With its rich berry flavours and just the right amount of spice, it’ll make you think you’ve mastered wine-tasting, even if you’re just chasing it down with pizza. It’s like your taste buds took a scenic trip through the Barossa Valley, only to be surprised by a kangaroo offering them a berry-flavoured punch to the face.

It’s a super reliable drop and an absolute steal, well under $15. So grab a glass, kick back, and enjoy the symphony of berries, oak, and “I totally know what tannins are.”

VITR Official Score: 8 / 10

👍 Reality vs Perception: Purchased for $5.50* from Dan Murphy's, this feels like $20 every day of the week. *As of this week, the wine is now $7.99 at Dan Murphy's...we must have been onto something.

👩‍🎨 Label Aesthetics: Nothing to Instagram about, but not so bad it’ll make your friends think you found it under the sink.

👴 Comparison to Nonno’s Home Brew: Nonno’s might have that distinct "shed" taste, but this one’s a bit more refined. Let's not say that to his face though.

🪩 Fit for an Engagement Party: Cheap enough to keep you under budget, but with enough class to fool the guests into thinking you splurged.

🤑 Keep the Change: Coming in well under our $15 budget, this ripper Shiraz will leave you plenty of change for some Tassie Brie.


Real Talk

📖 Fake It 'Til You Make It

Body: Wine’s weight on your tongue. It’s either a lightweight jogger (light-bodied) or a heavyweight boxer (full-bodied).

💡 Sip Tip

Serving Temperature: Keep it cool (or warm) with a simple rule—red wines at room temp, white wines around fridge temp, and rosé somewhere in between. Easy!

🍿 Sip & Snack

Sauvignon Blanc & Guacamole: Zippy, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc brightens up avocado’s creamy richness. Chips and dip never had it so good.


Until Next Week, Cheers 🍷

Stay tuned for another bargain buy next week. And as always, if you've got a favourite under $15 let us know...we'd love to give it a swirl!

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Vine In The Rough

Unearthing the best wines under $15, without the snooty wine talk. We’re here to prove that you don’t need a sommelier certification to enjoy a great bottle. From weeknight sips to dinner party picks, this is your friendly, down-to-earth newsletter in search for impressive yet affordable wines…and the ultimate "vine in the rough".