Muscat in the Spotlight: The Return of Fortified Wine

Renowned for producing what the locals like to call "liquid gold," All Saints Estate and St Leonards Vineyard are proudly one of the few wineries in the world to offer lusciously rich, sweet, fortified wines aged with meticulous care in barrels for years, decades, and, in some instances, over a century.  

Thomas J Carr, in his latest article forThe Guardian, “Muscat’s comeback: fortified wine goes from back of the liquor cabinet to star of the cocktail list.”, sheds light on the remarkable comeback of Muscat. Carr's insights amplify the versatility and value that Muscat brings to the contemporary palate, ushering in a new era of appreciation for younger audiences.  

In the article, our very own winemaker Nick Brown reflects on the evolving perception of the fortified wine, stating, “Our current generation of wine drinkers saw Muscat as something their grandparents would have tucked away in a dusty cupboard in the kitchen somewhere.” 

Notably, Carr praises the St Leonards VineyardHIP SIP Muscat, highlighting its versatility and “ridiculous value”, offering a transformative Muscat experience. He recommends experimenting with cocktails, such as the Pink Hip Spritz - a delightful concoction of Muscat, lemon juice, sparkling pink grapefruit, and mint. Another option is a recipe by Nick Brown using Muscat, soda water and a slice of orange. “A good little starter – a good one for by the pool".  

Explore more HIP SIP Muscat cocktail recipeshere. 

Renowned for its “sweet, grapey and oh-so enjoyable.” characters, the St Leonards Vineyard HIP SIP Muscat has garnered acclaim from discerning critics, including Jeni Port, scoring an impressive 92 points in the Halliday Wine Companion. 

As fortified wines find their place in contemporary drinking culture, capturing the palates of a new generation, All Saints Estate and St Leonards Vineyard invite you to explore the possibilities, whether relishing it on its own or exploring inventive cocktails and join the movement of muscat appreciation that embraces tradition and innovation.  

Discover more about the allure of Muscat in our guide:Guide to Muscat

Shop the St Leonards Vineyard NV HIP SIP Muscathere, or if you prefer a classic and sophisticated approach, the All Saints Estate Museum Muscat is a living testament to a century's worth of history. Shop the miniaturehere.