In 2022, we launched Forlak Wines with our first-ever vintage. We harvested 2.8 tons of grapes from the Hills and McLaren Vale regions, producing four wines: Chardonnay, Touriga, Rosé, and Shiraz. Family and friends played a crucial role, helping us pick and process the grapes—a theme that continues to define our business. Operating out of a small winery in Carey Gulley, we bottled 2,430 units, each embodying the spirit and support of our community.

McLaren Vale saw below-average rainfall, unlike other parts of Australia affected by La Niña. This resulted in rare cases of botrytis bunch rot in the vineyards, suggesting that the McLaren Vale wines from this vintage are likely to age well. The Adelaide Hills region experienced mild, humid, and cloudy summer months, followed by a cool autumn, marking the latest harvest since 2011. Variable conditions during flowering affected yields, especially for our chardonnay. Despite this, the cool and relatively dry autumn allowed for a long ripening period, resulting in wines with very good natural acidity and flavourful whites, as well as deep, rich reds.

In 2023, we carried on with Forlak Wines for our second year. We harvested 4.2 tons of grapes, now making five different wines: Fumé Blanc, Rosé, Touriga, Chardonnay, and Syrah. We stuck to picking grapes by hand and sorting them carefully for the best quality. Just like before, we got our grapes from the Hills and McLaren Vale regions. Working from our small winery in Carey Gulley, we bottled a total of 3,640 bottles for our second vintage. This vintage reflects our commitment to making great wine and the support of our community.

The Adelaide Hills experienced a long ripening season, requiring handpicking and meticulous sorting. Due to slightly cooler temperatures, Hills wines exhibit more savory spice notes, particularly noticeable in the Syrah. The combination of late flowering and cool summer conditions prolonged the harvest period. Disease pressure was more pronounced, but diligent handpicking helped mitigate many issues. Persistent wet weather saturated the soil, making vineyard access difficult and exacerbating disease pressure. Despite challenges, ideal flowering conditions in mid-December led to good fruit set and a moderate crop level.

2024 marked an exciting milestone for Forlak Wines as we made more wine while navigating significant changes. With some of our team relocating interstate, we've refined our approach, focusing on streamlined production methods that honour our handcrafted ethos while allowing us to grow sustainably. This evolution has shaped how we work, making us more efficient without compromising the quality and attention to detail that defines our wines. We also held a few ripper events throughout the year, bringing our community together to celebrate what we love.

The 2024 vintage delivered exceptional fruit that allowed us to both experiment and stay true to our core range. A highlight was sourcing Sauvignon Blanc from the Limestone Coast for our Fumé Blanc, giving us the opportunity to explore new terroir while continuing to craft our Rosé, Touriga, and Syrah. We also collaborated with Leigh Street Wine Room on a special Mencía. While the Adelaide Hills saw lower volumes due to challenging flowering and fruit set conditions, this turned into a quality-over-quantity year. The reduced yields concentrated flavours beautifully, and favourable ripening conditions meant the fruit matured with excellent balance. Working from our base in McLaren Vale, this ripper vintage has reinforced our commitment to quality winemaking and reminded us why we fell in love with this craft.

2025 Vintage Summary – Coming Soon

We're currently in the thick of it, crafting our 2025 vintage. Stay tuned for the full story on this year's harvest, the fruit and what we're excited to be making.

Our focus at Forlak is simple: we craft wines that we genuinely love to drink. We sought a deeper, more personal connection with each bottle, often discovering more than we initially anticipated. While the journey isn't always easy, it's this pursuit that makes our wines truly special. Our approach to winemaking is one of meticulous attention to detail. We prioritise texture and complexity, striving to create wines that excite and intrigue. This commitment to micro winemaking requires careful consideration at every step of the process.

One of our defining moments came with a revelation about rosé wine, particularly when we sampled the Clos Cibonne rosé from the South of France. Its vibrancy and allure left a lasting impression, sparking our passion for crafting wines that evoke such excitement. Our time working in a wine bar together further ignited our enthusiasm. Witnessing the infectious excitement of winemakers and sommeliers over a well-crafted rosé was truly inspiring.

Each of us started our journey in the wine industry at large-scale wineries. Transitioning to owning our own business led us to embrace a more hands-on approach. Despite occasional challenges, fully immersing ourselves in the winemaking process resonated deeply with us. This experience fuelled our passion and drive to craft wine that we love to drink.

Forlak Wines is not only evolving but thriving, with a strategic focus on expanded production and the integration of innovative techniques, all while unwaveringly adhering to our core principles of quality and sustainability. Our dedication to personalised service and community engagement is not merely a promise but a cornerstone of our ethos. Through initiatives like the Artist Series, where the worlds of wine and art converge in a celebration of creativity, we aim to deepen our connection with our community and foster meaningful interactions with our brand.

Looking ahead, our vision extends beyond just producing exceptional wines; we aspire to become an integral part of Adelaide's vibrant hospitality landscape while simultaneously expanding our footprint into Victoria by the end of 2024. This expansion isn't just about reaching new markets; it's about enriching the culinary experiences of individuals across both regions. By forging strategic partnerships with local establishments and participating in curated events, we seek to position Forlak Wines as more than just another wine on a list.

Central to our approach is an unwavering commitment to quality and community. We recognise that every bottle of Forlak represents not just a product but a culmination of passion, expertise, and dedication. Through our unique brand of craftsmanship and flavor, we aim to captivate the discerning palates of consumers, leaving a lasting impression with each sip.