Usher Tinkler
THROWING OUT THE RULEBOOK
For provocative winemaker Usher Tinkler, there’s not much worse than a boring wine. With his abstract, edgy wines, he’s turning Hunter Valley tradition – and Australian winemaking – on its head.
Growing grapes and working with the land is in Usher’s blood – he’s the third generation in his family involved in their Hunter Valley property. Multiple generations united by a passion for the region, and all sharing the same name: Usher Tinkler. But today, Usher is carving out a new name for himself, as one of Australia’s boldest and most innovative winemakers. In a historic region that’s home to established brands and winemaking traditions, Usher is breaking the mould. His out-there wines aren’t for everyone – and that’s exactly how he likes it.
Pushing the boundaries of contemporary wine
Usher’s family history informed his earliest forays into wine. He grew up on the family vineyard in the renowned Hunter Valley and began experimenting by making wine in his bathtub. He cut his teeth at well-known wineries, and over time started developing creative new blends that challenged wine norms. These days he’s 100% focused on his label, Usher Tinkler Wines.
“I’ve made lots of traditional, award-winning styles of wine, but I wanted to do something that would make people think,” says Usher. “Something that would stir emotion, like a piece of music, a piece of art or a film.”
Tinklers Vineyard has long sold their grapes to major wineries, and in 2014 Usher started using the family’s fruit to make his own wine. Since then, he’s pioneered Prosecco in the Hunter Valley and produced exciting blends that showcase the region in a whole new way.
Usher’s biggest fear is to make a boring wine.
“My wines have got to have personality and they’ve got to be really interesting,” he says. “Sometimes that pushes boundaries in a negative way, but that’s okay because it’s stirring an emotion ... I guess I like to live on the edge.”
At times Usher’s wines might be seen to be too left-field – and sometimes they’re hugely successful. Like his Enneagram blend, which brings together nine white and red varieties in a wine that looks and tastes unlike anything else.
“The wines keep getting weirder, more out-there and more challenging,” he says.
Ultimately, Usher wants to leave his stamp on the Australian wine industry. And he’s well on his way.
“By being innovative, you’re not necessarily a leader until everyone else follows,” says Usher. “But to create a wine style that grabs massive attention or changes the direction of the industry in a positive way... I think that’d be great.”
“I'm interested in organics and in wild-grown. In pushing the boundaries. In getting rid of all the rules of winemaking. Because then you can do whatever you want.” – Usher Tinkler
Disclaimer
This information is presented in good faith and on the basis that Wine Australia, nor their agents or employees, are liable (whether by reason of error, omission, negligence, lack of care or otherwise) to any person for any damage or loss whatsoever which has occurred or may occur in relation to that person taking or not taking (as the case may be) action in respect of any statement, information or advice given via this channel.
