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SMALL FOREST CHARDONNAY
SMALL FOREST ORANGE SHIRAZ
SMALL FOREST ROSE
SMALL FOREST SHIRAZ
About Small Forest Pty Ltd
Small Forest Pty Ltd is a boutique winery and cellar door located in Denman, New South Wales, Australia, specializing in premium handcrafted wines. Founded by Atsuko Radcliffe, Small Forest is known for its commitment to sustainable viticulture, minimal intervention winemaking, and a passion for expressing the unique terroir of the Upper Hunter Valley.
Small Forest is the first Japanese-owned winery in Australia, with Atsuko Radcliffe being the first female Japanese winemaker to establish a winery in the country. The winery focuses on crafting high-quality, small-batch wines that reflect both the elegance and complexity of the region’s diverse climate and soil conditions.
Vineyard & Terroir
Small Forest sources its grapes from selected vineyards in the Upper Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s oldest and most respected wine regions. The region is characterized by:
- Rich alluvial soils, providing excellent drainage and minerality.
- A warm, temperate climate, ideal for Shiraz, Verdelho, and Chardonnay.
- Sustainable farming practices, ensuring environmental preservation and vine health.
Wine Portfolio
Small Forest produces a carefully curated selection of wines, with a focus on expressing varietal purity and regional character.
🍇 White Wines
- Verdelho – Crisp and aromatic with citrus, tropical fruit, and mineral undertones.
- Chardonnay – Elegant and well-balanced with oak integration and stone fruit notes.
🍷 Red & Rosé Wines
- Shiraz Rosé – Vibrant and fresh with red berry flavors and floral aromas.
- Shiraz – Full-bodied and structured with dark fruit, spice, and smooth tannins.
Winemaking Philosophy
Small Forest follows a minimal intervention approach, emphasizing natural fermentation, careful oak selection, and precise aging techniques to maintain authentic varietal expression. Key practices include:
- Hand-harvested fruit to preserve quality and character.
- Small-batch fermentation to enhance complexity and depth.
- Minimal sulfite usage to retain natural balance and purity.
Cellar Door & Wine Experiences
Small Forest operates an intimate and welcoming cellar door in Denman, NSW, where visitors can enjoy:
- Guided wine tastings with winemaker Atsuko Radcliffe.
- Seasonal food pairings curated to complement Small Forest wines.
- Cultural experiences, including Japanese tea ceremonies and sake education.
Market Presence & Distribution
Small Forest wines are distributed across Australia through:
- Direct sales from the cellar door.
- Online wine shop & subscription services.
- Selected restaurants and wine retailers.
The winery has gained a strong following among wine enthusiasts, sommeliers, and collectors, particularly for its Shiraz and Verdelho wines.
Awards & Recognition
Small Forest has received critical acclaim and industry recognition, with notable highlights including:
- 2020: Featured in Australia’s Top Boutique Wineries List.
- 2021: Awarded Gold Medal for Shiraz at the Hunter Valley Wine Show.
- 2023: Named Best Emerging Winery in NSW.
Sustainability & Environmental Commitment
Small Forest integrates sustainable winemaking practices, including:
- Minimal water usage and drip irrigation to conserve resources.
- Organic soil management to enhance biodiversity.
- Use of lightweight bottles and recycled packaging to reduce carbon footprint.
Customer Testimonials
"Small Forest wines have a unique elegance and balance, showcasing the best of Hunter Valley terroir. The Shiraz Rosé is one of the best we’ve tasted!"
— Wine Enthusiast, Australia
"Atsuko Radcliffe brings a refined, precise winemaking approach to her wines. The Verdelho and Chardonnay are outstanding expressions of Hunter Valley fruit."
— Sommelier, Sydney
Future Expansion Plans
Small Forest aims to expand production and brand presence by 2026, with key initiatives including:
- Increased production capacity to meet growing demand.
- New wine releases, including aged Shiraz and experimental varietals.
- International market entry, focusing on Japan, Singapore, and the UK.
With its commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and cultural exchange, Small Forest continues to establish itself as one of Australia’s most innovative boutique wineries.