After what felt like a whirlwind start to the year, we've finally had the chance to catch our breath and reflect on what has been a memorable vintage - and not just because it came and went in record time!
Vintage 2025 will go down in XO’s 'history books' as our earliest ever. The first fruit rolled through the winery doors in early February - a full two to three weeks earlier than we’d usually expect. From day one, it was all hands-on deck and we were thrilled to see the quality that came in from the vineyards. The season was dry, which meant low disease pressure, and the fruit arrived looking vibrant, healthy, and full of flavour.
There’s always a buzz in the air during vintage. The early mornings, long days, sticky hands, the hum of the press, the constant checking and tasting – it’s a unique energy that brings us together. This year, that energy was matched with a sense of calm confidence. The fruit was consistent, the ferments behaved beautifully and even in the thick of vintage chaos, we couldn’t help but feel that we are making some exciting wines for the future.
Now that the ferments are finished, the whites are getting ready for bottle and the reds are settled in barrel, we’re getting a clearer picture of how our 2025 wines are shaping up - and we’re excited. There’s elegance and purity across the board. Fresh aromatics, great natural acidity, and structure that suggests these wines will be a joy to watch evolve.
Our Rosé will be the first to bottle and hit the shelves in early May. From the moment it started fermenting, we knew it was going to be something special. It’s bright, juicy and bursting with fresh berry and citrus notes. It’s one of those wines that just feels like sunshine in a glass — and we’re already betting it’ll be a fast favourite. The Rosé will be followed by our ever-popular Pinot Gris and our Riesling.
As always, vintage reminds us why we do what we do. It’s hard work, it’s unpredictable, and sometimes it’s just exhausting. But it’s also magic. It’s the culmination of months of work in the vineyard by our wonderful growers, years of experimentation and refining our craft, and a deep love for the land and the wines it gives us.
We can’t wait to share the 2025 vintage with you. Keep an eye out for the Rosé and Pinot Gris release in May - and stay tuned for more as the rest of the range begins to take shape.
Until then, thanks for being part of the XO story.
Kate
XO
