Riverland growers are in crisis. But Ashley Ratcliff of Ricca Terra Wines is buoyed by the region’s potential.

“It feels like shuffling deckchairs on the Titanic,” he said.

It’s a typical sentiment for anyone involved in the wine industry at this time of year – especially in an enormous region such as the Riverland, where almost a third of all Australia’s grapes are grown. You work 18-hour days seven days a week and still can’t keep on top of all the grapes coming in.

But this year, Ratcliff’s line has more resonance than usual.

"You have two choices. Sit around counting all the challenges we face as an industry. Or you can just get on with it and do great things and inspire the rest of us - like these 50 Stars of 2023. WBM has gone back through the inbox - and the stories - to see who stood up when there was every reason to just sit down. We'll have these 50 Stars on our team any day."

Australia's Wine Business Magazine - November/December 2023

Join us for a pre-Christmas dinner hosted by Ashley Ratcliff. Fresh, funky, Asian fusion food paired with light, luscious Ricca Terra wines.

POLK: 114 Partridge Street, Glenelg SA

Friday, 1st December at 6.30pm

Halliday Top 100 Winery Celebration - Become the judge and vote for your favourite wines

Join us at The Cherry Shed - 18 Dunstone Road, Barmera SA

Sunday, 10th December 2023 - 12pm 'til 6pm

"If you’re looking for something different, and interesting, look no further. This winery is one of the first wineries that I would recommend. It is because every wine in the (well-priced) range here makes you stop and think and appreciate it for its charm, its alternative flavour profile, its confident drinkability. This here is a champion of alternative varieties."

By Campbell Mattinson - Halliday Wine Companion

GLAM Adelaide:

"You’ll catch notable Riverland winery Ricca Terra on the ground floor during Adelaide Fashion Week from the 20th until the 22nd of October, on Friday from 11-2pm and then 3-8pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 11-4:30pm. There will be live music from local musicians as well, which is only fitting for a partnership between Myer Centre and Ricca Terra who are helping create unique experiences celebrating South Australian success stories."  

Ever wanted to understand how wines are grown and made? Or taste wine in the vineyard where they are grown? Even better, spend time on the river enjoying a beautiful glass of Ricca Terra.

A night of culinary excellence at Earth Restaurant with Ashley Ratcliff of Ricca Terra.

Join Ashley Ratcliff as he hosts these two unmissable events - Limited tickets available

Ricca Terra's quality wines, akin to Banksy's narratives, become storytellers themselves.

Join Ricca Terra at the Myer Centre on 1st, 15th, 16th & 17th September - The Art of Banksy "Without Limits" Exhibition.

Ricca Terra wins Trophy at the Royal Queensland Wine Awards

#SupportLocal - Win a Dozen Wines

We can’t survive without the ongoing support of the restaurant trade across Australia. The staff and sommeliers of the various establishments do an amazing job telling the story of Ricca Terra. As a gesture of our appreciation, we are running a ‘Support Your Local’ competition.  

Thanks BBC for the nice words. We think Australian wine is in a good position to mitigate the challenges of climate change. If anything, there are some amazing opportunities to be had.

We feel the title of this article is slightly over the top. Our industry has a great future and it should be celebrated. We always state positive views to journalists but we don't write the words.

$10 to taste some of Australia's most exciting wines, redeemable on any two bottle purchase.

Young Gun of Wine - The 2022 Vineyard of the Year Awards Top 50

Ricca Terra's Jury Road vineyard at Berri has been listed in the Top 50.