Sometimes we are in the mood for a nice full-bodied Shiraz, yet there is frost on the windows and you need a little bit of something else to keep you warm aside from the blanket and trackies. Enter fortified Shiraz, which is Shiraz with that little extra kick, and kick this wine does, with blackberry jam, toasty warmth and a nice bed of spice to help you nod off to sleep early on the couch.

It isn’t too often you have wineries that are located in the suburban sprawl of a capital city around the world, and yes it may only be Adelaide, but Patritti Wines are located just 12 km from Adelaide CBD in Dover Gardens. Patritti’s story started with Giovanni who was part of the steady stream of migrants from Italy to Australia in the 1900s when he boarded a ship from Genoa to arrive in Port Adelaide in 1925. Just a few years later, Giovanni had some vines planted and was producing dry and fortified wines. Today, those original vineyards have been lost to the urban sprawl, however the winery is managing two historic urban vineyards nearby which includes the 1907 Marion Vineyard located right next to the Marion public swimming pool. Patritti have also established two vineyards in McLaren Vale and are producing a wide range of wines under six different labels. The commitment to the urban winery is highlighted by Friday nights at the winery which are well worth a visit!