In this episode of The Wined Up, we sit down with Douglas Neal, a winemaker with decades of experience across Australia, Burgundy, Bordeaux and California. From the first pour, it was clear Doug is on a real mission making great wines accessible again. We talk about rising costs in the wine world, why younger drinkers are being priced out, and why the industry is struggling to balance quality with affordability. Doug breaks down the actual cost pressures on growers, barrels, labour and fruit sourcing, and explains why so many premium bottles have become unreachable for everyday drinkers.
We dive into Shiraz in a big way. Doug talks about why Shiraz is Australia’s most climate suited grape, how it handles heat better than Pinot, and how multi regional blends can still make compelling and consistent wines at fair prices. He explains why he avoids underripe styles, how he builds texture and savoury notes without green stem tannin, and why rocky soils in regions like Pyrenees, Blewitt Springs and Murrumbateman matter so much.
We also explore his Chardonnay work with Gaffy and Neal, the differences between clones, the balance of creaminess and acidity, and why oak should support, not dominate. Doug shares insights from years designing barrels, working with cooperages, and testing forests and grain sizes to create finesse and structure.
Beyond the technical side, we talk about keeping wines under one hundred dollars, the sweet spot for younger drinkers, the pressure on wineries, the future of Australian wine, and the importance of over delivering with every bottle.
Thank you Doug for the great chat! Check out wines by Doug Neal at https://www.winesbydougneal.com/
Subscribe to @thewinedup and comment below on your favourite wine from Douglas Neal?👇
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to High-Quality, Accessible Wines
00:47 Meet Doug Neal from Altera Terra
02:15 Icebreaker Questions with Doug Neal
05:47 Doug Neal's Wine Journey
14:46 Exploring the Gaffy and Neal Partnership
27:06 The Art of Blending and Shiraz
44:16 The Four Building Blocks of Wine
45:04 The Importance of Tasting and Note-Taking
46:00 The Value of Wine Courses and Self-Study
47:07 Learning Through Experience and Travel
49:21 The Evolution of Wine Labels
52:51 Exploring Murrumbateman and Its Wines
01:00:08 The Role of Soil in Wine Quality
01:01:56 Exciting Wine Regions in Australia and New Zealand
01:06:26 The Debate on Single Vineyard Wines
01:17:39 Proudest Moments and Future Aspirations
01:19:54 Final Reflections and Gratitude
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