Ministry of Clouds

McLaren Vale, South Australia

SUSTAINABLE - MINIMAL INTERVENTION - VEGAN

Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood bring passion, charisma, and deep industry experience to Ministry of Clouds, a winery dedicated to crafting expressive McLaren Vale wines with minimal environmental impact.

With 30 years in the industry, including time at Wirra Wirra and Woodstock, they have developed a deep understanding of McLaren Vale’s complex terroir—from the ancient rocks of Seaview to the sandy soils of Blewitt Springs and the gravelly slopes of Clarendon. They source fruit from distinguished old-vine sites, including 86-year-old bush vine Grenache and dry-grown Shiraz blocks dating back to the 1920s.

Their hands-on approach includes early hand-picking, whole-berry and whole-bunch ferments, extended skin contact, and aging in large, neutral oak. While their reds are vinified in Blewitt Springs, they source whites from Clare Valley and Tasmania for purity and delicacy. Thoughtfully made and terroir-driven, Ministry of Clouds wines are modern classics in the making.

2022 MINISTRY OF CLOUDS SHIRAZ - MCLAREN VALE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

After a painful number of vintages with even more painful yields, we have continued to work hard to supplement our historical vineyard partners in 2022. This vintage comprises about 90% grapes from the
terrarossa/ red loam laid over limestone of the renowned Watervale subregion often referred to as “The Golden Mile”, with picking times staggered to retain natural acidity. The balance is sourced from the lean, hungry and rocky soils characteristic of the cooler and later ripening hills of Penwortham.

From the second consecutive La Nina we enjoyed another cool growing season, with flavour developing slowly over time making for a welcome change from recent vintages, producing a distinctly delicate but intense character. Low Baumes, coupled with healthy natural acids led to lifted and fine floral notes, lavender and lime leaf, grapefruit pith, bath salts, and underlying talc. Classic Clare citrus notes are complimented by the mouthwatering chalky and mineral texture on the palate, finishing with a fine and taut acid line.

2022 MINISTRY OF CLOUDS ROSE – MCLAREN VALE, SA

A blend of mature Mataro planted deep into loam to provide texture and savoury tannins, with Cinsault off our own The Chase Vineyard sitting on top of the Onkaparinga Rocks for fragrance and lift. Both parcels were whole bunch pressed lightly to retain only the most delicate aromatics, settled upon its own lees to build mid texture, then fermented to dryness before blending together. On the drier end of the spectrum, a deliberately delicate and aromatic expression of strawberries, apples, guava and pomegranate. The palate is long, dry and intense, with tangy raspberry fruit, a lick of amaro bitters, and a little tannin to provide the whip-tale of necessary refreshment..

2023 MINISTRY OF CLOUDS RIESLING - CLARE VALLEY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

‘From the third consecutive La Nina vintage we enjoyed another cool growing season, with flavour developing slowly over time, but with the chance of disease higher than previously, time walking vineyards was essential! The 2023 vintage comprises about 93% grapes from the terrarossa/ red loam laid over limestone of the renowned Watervale subregion often referred to as “The Golden Mile”, with picking times staggered to retain natural acidity. The balance is sourced from the lean, hungry and rocky soils characteristic of the cooler and later ripening hills of Penwortham.

2023 MINISTRY OF CLOUDS PICPOUL - MCLAREN VALE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA - LIMITED

The fruit for this wine is 100% estate grown, from a block situated directly in front of the winery and planted into the ancient Onkaparinga Rocks of our vineyard – The Chase. Perched high atop the range overlooking McLaren Vale our lean and rocky site is perfect for limiting Picpoul’s potential yield. To provide further intensity we both shoot thinned and dropped bunches to ensure perfectly even ripening, then hand picked to retain delicacy. Whole bunch pressed
, settled by gravity, and rough racked to stainless for a cool ferment on
light solids with wild yeast. Post ferment the wine was left on lees for a further 4 months to build mid palate texture and depth.

2022 MINISTRY OF CLOUDS CHARDONNAY - ADELAIDE HILLS, SA

Taste of freedom…

Without having the luxury (or limitation!) of a pre-ordained family history in wine, we relish the freedom and opportunity to cast our net a little wider from our home in McLaren Vale, hoping to capture the freshness and vibrancy of the cool Adelaide Hills…

Composition
A pure and tightly wound wine showing the muscle and intensity of the low yielding Birdwood site, and the fragile acid line synonymous with fine, late ripening and deeply cool Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay. A shy and somewhat restrained nose exuding white flowers, green nectarine characters, and subtle hints of nougat and gingery wood spice. On the palate, a bedrock of chalky minerality supports a core of intense stone fruit, framing its lingering acidity.

Consumption
Ideal serving temperature is 12°C, and we love this wine with a simple chicken with 40 cloves of garlic, duck fat roast dutch cream potatoes and steamed baby green beans. Drink up to 8 years for a more complex expression.

2020 MINISTRY OF CLOUDS ‘KINTSUGI’ GRENACHE MATARO SHRIAZ - MCLAREN VALE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

An elegant, but darkly hued wine, showing aromatic floral red fruit lift, cardamom, and five spice from old vine Grenache, built upon the intense blue fruits and violets of dry grown Mataro and Shiraz. Layered and long this wine exhibits a tightly wound core of dense red berried crunchy fruit, framed by persistent sandy tannins, and bright acidity.

2022 MINISTRY OF CLOUDS TEMPRANILLO GRENACHE - MCLAREN VALE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

This wine combines lifted notes of pomegranate, sarsaparilla, violets and nutmeg typical of McLaren Vale Tempranillo, with the red berried perfume and succulence of old vine Grenache. This medium bodied wine is pretty, but deeply flavoured, and deliberately moreish. A lithe and juicy wine, it errs on the blood orange, cherry, red berry spectrum on the palate supported by a long line of ferrous tannin.

2024 MINISTRY OF CLOUDS PICPOUL - MCLAREN VALE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA - NEW VINTAGE

A crisp and refreshing white wine that beautifully highlights the zesty nature of Picpoul. The nose is vibrant, with aromas of lemon zest, green apple, and white peach, complemented by hints of saline and fresh herbs. On the palate, it is light-bodied with bright acidity, showcasing flavors of citrus, lime, and a subtle mineral edge. The finish is clean, brisk, and invigorating, making it an excellent match for oysters, fresh seafood, or summer salads. Perfect for warm days and alfresco dining.

2024 MINISTRY OF CLOUDS ’GG’ - ADELAIDE HILLS, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

A refined and crisp white that captures the cool-climate elegance of the Adelaide Hills. The nose is complex, with aromas of citrus fruits like grapefruit and lime, intertwined with delicate floral notes and a hint of crushed stones. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with vibrant acidity and flavors of lemon sherbet, green apple, and a touch of minerality. The wine’s fresh, clean finish is perfectly balanced, offering a refreshing and zesty profile. Ideal for pairing with seafood, goat cheese, or fresh spring dishes.

2021 MINISTRY OF CLOUDS PINOT NOIR- ADELAIDE HILLS, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

A delicate and nuanced Pinot Noir showcasing the cool-climate character of the Adelaide Hills. The nose is elegant, with aromas of fresh red berries such as cherry and raspberry, complemented by hints of earthy spice, forest floor, and subtle floral notes. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with soft tannins and bright acidity, delivering flavors of red plum, cranberry, and a touch of sweet baking spice. The finish is silky and refined, with a lingering berry freshness. Perfect for pairing with roasted poultry, mushroom dishes, or a soft cheese platter.

Vintage	Wine	Availability
2023	MINISTRY OF CLOUDS ’GG’ - ADELAIDE HILLS, SOUTH AUSTRALIA	SOLD OUT!
2021	MINISTRY OF CLOUDS PINOT NOIR- ADELAIDE HILLS, SOUTH AUSTRALIA	SOLD OUT!
2021	MINISTRY OF CLOUDS GAMAY - ADELAIDE HILLS, SOUTH AUSTRALIA	SOLD OUT!