Author Andrew Caillard MW, one of the most authoritative wine experts in Australia, has been a central figure in shaping the nation's fine wine agenda for over 40 years. A direct descendant of South Australia’s Reynell family and a co-founder of auction house Langton’s, Andrew Caillard has held a lifelong fascination for industry ambitions, Australia’s wine families and the country’s social, economic and political history.

The Australian Ark integrates all these strands with pace, energy and empathy. Geoffrey Robertson AO KC, Australian human rights barrister, academic, author, and broadcaster, introduces The Australian Ark as:

‘a lengthy and scholastic work [comprising] an enthusiastic tale of an industry we can be proud of.’

It is a romantic and magnificent story of challenges and heartbreaks, a story of young ambitions in an ancient land, and the development of a truly unique and fascinating wine culture.

Volume 1: 1788–1900, The Colonial Era
Volume 2: 1901–1983, Federation to the Modern Era
Volume 3: 1983–present day, Contemporary Times – Recollections and Perspectives

Also included in the work is a Canon of Australian Wine and the fascinating stories behind these labels is intertwined through the narrative. This is not a definitive list of the country’s most important wines and vineyards, but it reveals the overall pattern of development of fine Australian wine and will hopefully spark passionate debate long into the future. 

Australian readers can purchase the book directly from the publisher here.