At Patrick of Coonawarra, we take wine seriously. But we don’t think that means we always have to play by the rules.
Our Méthode range was created as a place to experiment — to follow an idea, test a theory and occasionally make something simply because we think it could be delicious. It’s winemaking driven by curiosity, with small batches giving us the freedom to explore styles that sit a little outside the traditional Coonawarra mould.
And our latest experiment might just be the most fun yet.
Introducing Méthode Spritz
The new 2026 Méthode Spritz is our take on a lighter, fresher and more playful style of wine.
Made with summer firmly in mind, Spritz is lower in alcohol, lightly sparkling and seriously refreshing. It’s designed for those occasions when a traditional glass of wine feels like a little too much — long lunches, afternoons outside, drinks by the pool or that first glass while the BBQ heats up.
Serve it well chilled, pour it over ice if that’s your thing, or use it as the starting point for a summer cocktail. Add some fresh citrus, herbs or fruit and make it your own.
There aren't too many rules here. That's rather the point.
Wine as an experiment
Méthode has always been the experimental side of Patrick.
The range began by asking questions about varieties and techniques we thought we already understood. What happens when you deliberately embrace a character winemakers normally try to avoid? What happens when you ferment familiar varieties in unfamiliar ways? What happens when you stop worrying about convention and simply follow an interesting idea?
Those experiments have produced some of our most talked-about wines.
Méthode Eucalypt Cabernet Sauvignon deliberately explores the influence of the beautiful red gums surrounding our Coonawarra vineyards. Rather than hiding the distinctive eucalyptus character they can contribute, we embraced it — creating a uniquely Australian expression of Cabernet and one of the defining wines of the Méthode range.
Then there's our newly released 2024 Méthode Oakre Chardonnay.
Oakre takes a completely different approach, exploring how different oak barrels can shape Chardonnay. The wine was fermented across three barrels — new French oak, an older puncheon and, most unusually, a barrique previously used for Cabernet Sauvignon. Each contributes something different, from toast and texture to a subtle ochre colour and fine tannin structure.
And now Spritz takes Méthode somewhere new again.
Not every wine experiment needs to be cerebral.
With Méthode Spritz, the question was much simpler: could we make something genuinely delicious, refreshing and fun to drink through summer?
Something lighter in alcohol. Something with bubbles. Something you could enjoy on its own but also wouldn't feel guilty about throwing some ice, citrus and whatever else you find in the fridge into.
The answer became Méthode Spritz.
It represents another side of what we're trying to do at Patrick of Coonawarra. We have enormous respect for the traditions of our region and the classic wines that have built its reputation, but we also believe there's room to experiment.
To challenge ourselves.
To occasionally challenge what people expect from Coonawarra.
And, most importantly, to have a bit of fun along the way.
Méthode Spritz joins Méthode Eucalypt Cabernet Sauvignon and the new 2024 Méthode Oakre Chardonnay as part of our evolving Méthode collection — small-batch wines created through curiosity, experimentation and a willingness to try something different.
Pour it cold. Add ice. Turn it into a cocktail. Drink it in the sunshine.
Méthode Spritz has arrived. Lightly sparkling Riesling at 8%, $28, and best drunk very cold as the weather warms up. Shop Méthode Spritz →
Or taste the whole experiment: the Méthode 6 Pack brings together Spritz, Eucalypt, Oakre and Skinny, so you can try the range side by side and decide for yourself which ones worked.
Members get first access to every Méthode release. Become a member here.