John and Belinda Hughes' mono-varietal obsession with Riesling makes for this country's most comprehensive exploration of the grape.
The passion for Riesling runs deep in John's blood - he grew up on a Riesling vineyard in the Clare Valley, and his love for the variety has carried on throughout his life. So much so that he was even dubbed the nickname 'Riesling Freak' at University - a nickname so apt it's become the name of his label.
Since starting this journey in 2009, John and his wonderful wines have been the recipients of many accolades, winning the Young Gun of Wine Winemaker's Choice Award in 2017 and a finalist for Gourmet Traveller WINE Winemaker of the Year in 2021.
And of course, we can't talk about John without mentioning Belinda - a fellow Riesling lover, white-wine maker and 2022 finalist for the Young Gun of Wine. Together, John & Belinda make a formidable team on their quest to craft the finest suite of Rieslings in South Australia.
"What I love most about my line of work is that for me, it’s not a job, it’s my passion. I don’t see my occupation as work, as each day I am creating and working with what I love… Riesling!"
- John Hughes, winemaker
Over 2,000 Different Drop customers ordered a bottle of Rieslingfreak last year - with five wines in our Top 50 Best Selling Wines of the Year, they were clearly the People's Choice Producer of 2022. And in our opinion, it couldn't have gone to a nicer couple!
We have a suite of Rieslings available from John and Belinda in store, including the DD exclusive 2021 No. 11 Mosaik Riesling ($35) and Halliday Top 100 ranking 2022 No. 4 Eden Valley Riesling ($24) and we suggest you get your 'Freak on below!
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