Discover the 2026 'Traditionale' Riesling

For more than four decades, our 'Traditionale' Riesling has captured the unmistakable character of the Clare Valley in every bottle. We craft it with purity, consistency and exceptional value in mind, hoping it resonates with first-time Riesling drinkers and long-time enthusiasts alike. The 2026 vintage continues that legacy, reflecting another season shaped by the Clare Valley's unique conditions and our enduring commitment to world-class Riesling.

The 2026 Vintage

The season began with cold conditions that delayed budburst by approximately two weeks compared with the long-term average. Cool spring temperatures persisted through the early growing season, slowing vine development. On 12 November, an extreme frost event severely impacted our Polish Hill River Estate Vineyard, significantly reducing crop levels in affected blocks. Unaffected vines, however, maintained excellent canopy health and balance, benefiting from favourable soil moisture and moderate growing conditions, and the season overall showed considerable promise. Thankfully, this frost event was localised, and our Clare Valley Growers were largely unaffected.

January brought a period of warm to hot weather, promoting steady ripening and flavour development. Vintage commenced 16 days later than in 2025, reflecting the delayed start to the season. Harvest began with Riesling, but picking was interrupted by the first of four rainfall events. Fortunately, the vines carried a healthy canopy throughout this period, allowing fruit to maintain excellent condition. Disease pressure remained low, and the fruit retained strong natural acidity, varietal purity and flavour concentration despite the challenging weather.

Every vintage presents its own set of viticultural and winemaking challenges, and 2026 was no exception. While frost and multiple rain events tested both vineyard management and harvest logistics, careful vineyard practices and considered picking decisions brought fruit into the winery in good condition, enabling us to achieve excellent outcomes.

The Pikes 2026 Traditionale Riesling shows lifted perfume and floral characters with some citrus and stone fruit. It has great balance and drinkability - a wonderful wine to enjoy now, with strong ageing potential for those who wish to cellar it.

A True Expression of Clare Valley

Clare Valley is recognised as one of Australia's premier Riesling regions, and Traditionale is a reflection of everything that makes it so special.

Fruit is sourced from our estate vineyards in Polish Hill River, complemented by a select group of long-standing growers across Watervale, Leasingham, Mintaro and Sevenhill. Each vineyard contributes its own personality to the final blend, while sharing the hallmarks that define great Clare Valley Riesling - intense citrus fruit, fine natural acidity and elegant structure.

The result is a wine that consistently captures the purity, freshness and regional character that have made Traditionale a favourite for more than 40 years.

Our Winemaking Philosophy

Great Riesling begins in the vineyard, so our role in the winery is simply to preserve what nature provides.

Only free-run juice is used to create Traditionale, delivering the purity and finesse that define its style. Fermentation takes place at cool temperatures using neutral yeast strains to retain delicate aromatics and vibrant fruit expression, before a short period on lees adds subtle texture and complexity.

The result is a Riesling that is precise, vibrant and unmistakably Clare Valley.

Perfect with Food

One of Riesling's greatest strengths is its versatility at the table.

The bright citrus flavours and crisp natural acidity of ‘Traditionale’ make it a perfect partner for freshly shucked oysters, grilled prawns, sashimi and delicate white fish. It is equally at home alongside dishes with a little spice, where its refreshing acidity balances richness while complementing aromatic herbs and spices.

Whether enjoyed with a meal or shared with friends, ‘Traditionale’ is a wine made to be opened and enjoyed.

Celebrate the Release

To celebrate the arrival of our 2026 'Traditionale' Riesling, we're giving one lucky wine lover the chance to WIN a year's supply of Riesling. Simply pre-order any 6-pack of the 2026 'Traditionale' Riesling before Monday 31 August, and you'll automatically go into the draw.

This year’s prize is valued at over $2,300 and includes: A year's supply of Riesling (6 x 12-packs of our 2026 'Traditionale' Riesling), plus one magnum of our flagship reserve Riesling, 'The Merle'. Every 6-pack purchased equals one entry, so the more you order, the greater your chance of winning.

Be among the very first to experience this exciting new vintage and celebrate the release with us.

Shop the 2026 'Traditionale' 6-Pack Pre-Order and Enter Today.