{"title":"Foreign Friends","description":"\u003cp\u003eForeign Friends is a Beechworth project that started as a side hustle between three mates: sisters Leila and Crystal Davis, and their friend Juliette Menneteau. They’ve been part of the local wine scene in Beechworth for about a decade but only officially launched the label in 2023.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe business is a proper team effort with Leila handling the winemaking and grape-growing, Crystal running the marketing and branding, and Juliette looking after sales and distribution.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeila’s background is about as Beechworth as it gets. She’s Rick Kinzbrunner’s great-grand-niece (Giaconda) and cut her teeth in the cellar with her uncle Pete Graham at Domenica and in the vineyard learning the farming with Barry Morey at Sorrenberg before heading overseas to work in the Jura and Beaujolais at Domaine Courbet and with Mee Godard. Not a bad crew of mentors to start you in the right direction! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile they’ve been buying fruit from the King and Yarra Valleys to get moving, the project is becoming more Beechworth-centric. Leila is now farming the Blacksprings vineyard, and they have a home block of Chardonnay and Nebbiolo coming online soon. It’s a \"watch this space\" situation as they move toward estate-grown fruit. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe really enjoyed each and every one of their current releases. Liela's clearly a talent to watch and one of the best young, emerging winemakers in Victoria. They are serious yet smashable, they look great, and each is wonderfully, distinctively varietal. We’ve put a four-pack together of our favourites if you want to see what this trio is all about. \u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"2025-foreign-friends-jeanne-savagnin","title":"2025 Foreign Friends Jeanne Savagnin","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003eSavagnin in the right hands is always going to turn heads, and considered our heads well and truly turned with this ripper! Foreign Friends continues to impress, and since launching in 2023 they’ve produced wines with real personality and approachability. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003eThe winemaking here for 'Jeanne' was all about building layers - as is the way with quality Savagnin. The grapes were cold-soaked on skins before a wild ferment in old French barriques, followed by ten months of ageing on lees. This time in wood and on lees has given the wine a gently creamy, nutty mealiness and a depth of flavour that sets it apart from more straightforward whites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eThe nose is super aromatic, showing ginger spice, peach, and nectarine alongside an assortment of florals. The palate is where it's at though - focused and driven with juicy fruits but serious texture and structure. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eA complex wine that gives you all the interest of this variety without losing freshness and drinkability. Bravo!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Another top release of a wine that excites the palate, combining complexity, a lingering savouriness and a juicy freshness. It makes for a most charming and un-put-down-able wine.\"\u003cbr\u003e- Jeni Port (Halliday Wine Companion)\u003c\/p\u003e \n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e","brand":"Foreign Friends","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43954282299435,"sku":"2025 Foreign Friends Jeanne Savagnin","price":39.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2572\/9722\/files\/2025ForeignFriendsJeanneSavagnin.png?v=1778283254"},{"product_id":"2025-foreign-friends-alice-chenin-blanc","title":"2025 Foreign Friends Alice Chenin Blanc","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a brand new cuvee from Foreign Friends - a Beechworth-based project from sisters Leila and Crystal and their friend Juliette. They’ve been a part of the local wine community for a decade, launching their own label in 2023 to showcase varietally true wines from across the High Country. This release, named 'Alice', is their first crack at Chenin Blanc - let's go!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit was crushed and pressed before being fermented and aged on lees in a mix of stainless steel and neutral oak. This combination is key; the steel keeps the fruit vibrant while the old wood and lees contact build a supple, succulent texture. The winemaking on display across the board from this project is very thoughtful and very impressive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's pretty open and playful on the nose, with some tropics and white flowers alongside more savoury hits of flint, wet stone, and dry sage. The pallet is dry and with good thrust - full of stone fruit and citrus, but there’s also a saline, green almond edge that keeps things interesting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA favourite of ours in this range and a great sign for Victorian Chenin Blanc!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Victorian chenin blanc is a bit of a rarity but not for too much longer, not if this little beauty of a wine is any indication. It is the full package.\"\u003cbr\u003e- Jeni Port (Halliday Wine Companion)\u003c\/p\u003e \n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e","brand":"Foreign Friends","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43954322669611,"sku":"2025 Foreign Friends Alice Chenin Blanc","price":45.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2572\/9722\/files\/2025ForeignFriendsAliceCheninBlanc.png?v=1778283221"},{"product_id":"2025-foreign-friends-anna-gamay","title":"2025 Foreign Friends Anna Gamay","description":"\u003cp\u003eA cracking little modern Aussie red here from the talented trio at Foreign Friends in Beechworth. For 'Anna', they’ve headed to the Yarra Valley to find the right parcel of Gamay, a variety that's playing an increasingly important part if Victorian viticulture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe winemaking here is very deliberate and keeps the primary fruit flavours at the forefront. They used about 25% whole bunches during a two-week ferment on skins to add a bit of structure and spice, before the wine was tucked away in large, neutral oak over winter and spring. The use of larger format wood works wonders with this variety, retaining all of its purity and just adding that lick of texture, without weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s a ripe and sweet-fruited expression of the variety, led by raspberry, cherry, and plum. There’s some nice complexity too, with floral and herbal hints, but really it's just a delicious easy-going light red that wouldn't mind a chill.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Foreign Friends","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43954325028907,"sku":"2025 Foreign Friends Anna Gamay","price":45.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2572\/9722\/files\/2025ForeignFriendsAnnaGamay.png?v=1778283230"},{"product_id":"2025-foreign-friends-hilma-barbera","title":"2025 Foreign Friends Hilma Barbera","description":"\u003cp\u003eForeign Friends is a Beechworth-based project from sisters Leila and Crystal and their friend Juliette. They’ve been part of the local wine scene for a decade, eventually launching this label in 2023 to focus on honest, varietally expressive wines. While they are based in Beechworth, they look to standout sites across the High Country for their fruit, sourcing the grapes for this 'Hilma' Barbera from the King Valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit here was fully destemmed and spent two weeks on skins before being tucked away in large, old French oak for the winter and spring. This approach has kept the fruit front and centre while rounding out the edges, giving it the soft, velvety texture that gives good Barbera its charm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s a medium-bodied, juicy red that carries a bit of weight and concentration without feeling heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the nose, you get blueberry and bramble fruit mixed with clove and even a hint of dark chocolate.  The palate is medium-bodied and juicy, and more savoury as it opens up. It finishes with fine tannins and a plesant sourness that has you going back for another glass!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s drinking well now but has the structure to sit in the cellar for a few years if you can wait.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Seduces in a deep world of red cherries, ripe redcurrant, blackberry, dried herbs, florals, chocolate and spice with a red earthiness.\"\u003cbr\u003e- Jeni Port (Halliday Wine Companion)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e","brand":"Foreign Friends","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43954325422123,"sku":"2025 Foreign Friends Hilma Barbera","price":39.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2572\/9722\/files\/2025ForeignFriendsHilmaBarbera.png?v=1778283244"},{"product_id":"2025-foreign-friends-ada-rose","title":"2025 Foreign Friends Ada Rose","description":"\u003cp\u003eHere's another lovely drink from your new favourite Beechworth label, Foreign Friends.  Nebbiolo is one of our favourite varieties when it comes to Rose, and this has all that delicacy, aroma and subtle savouriness that we love.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter being pressed off skins, the juice was fermented and aged on fine lees in neutral French oak over the winter. This barrel work has built a sappy, mouth-filling texture and elegant weight into the wine, while the naturally high acidity of the variety keeps the finish crisp and refreshing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's a lovely light colour, with more of a savoury, herbaceous profile than anything overtly fruity.  The palate is tight and sleek, with pretty pink fruits and a salinity ans bitterness to close.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA crunchy, food-friendly style of rosé and lovely value.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Foreign Friends","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43954345312299,"sku":"2025 Foreign Friends Ada Rose","price":32.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2572\/9722\/files\/2025ForeignFriendsAdaRose.png?v=1778283209"},{"product_id":"foreigh-friends-tasting-pack","title":"Foreign Friends Tasting Pack","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2025 Foreign Friends Alice Chenin Blanc\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2025 Foreign Friends Jeanne Savagnin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2025 Foreign Friends Anna Gamay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e2025 Foreign Friends Hilma Barbera\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e2025 Foreign Friends Alice Chenin Blanc\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a brand new cuvee from Foreign Friends - a Beechworth-based project from sisters Leila and Crystal and their friend Juliette. They’ve been a part of the local wine community for a decade, launching their own label in 2023 to showcase varietally true wines from across the High Country. This release, named 'Alice', is their first crack at Chenin Blanc - let's go!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit was crushed and pressed before being fermented and aged on lees in a mix of stainless steel and neutral oak. This combination is key; the steel keeps the fruit vibrant while the old wood and lees contact build a supple, succulent texture. The winemaking on display across the board from this project is very thoughtful and very impressive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's pretty open and playful on the nose, with some tropics and white flowers alongside more savoury hits of flint, wet stone, and dry sage. The pallet is dry and with good thrust - full of stone fruit and citrus, but there’s also a saline, green almond edge that keeps things interesting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA favourite of ours in this range and a great sign for Victorian Chenin Blanc!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Victorian chenin blanc is a bit of a rarity but not for too much longer, not if this little beauty of a wine is any indication. It is the full package.\"\u003cbr\u003e- Jeni Port (Halliday Wine Companion)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.differentdrop.com\/products\/2025-foreign-friends-alice-chenin-blanc\" title=\"2025 Foreign Friends Alice Chenin Blanc\"\u003eRead More\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e2025 Foreign Friends Jeanne Savagnin\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003eSavagnin in the right hands is always going to turn heads, and considered our heads well and truly turned with this ripper! Foreign Friends continues to impress, and since launching in 2023 they’ve produced wines with real personality and approachability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003eThe winemaking here for 'Jeanne' was all about building layers - as is the way with quality Savagnin. The grapes were cold-soaked on skins before a wild ferment in old French barriques, followed by ten months of ageing on lees. This time in wood and on lees has given the wine a gently creamy, nutty mealiness and a depth of flavour that sets it apart from more straightforward whites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eThe nose is super aromatic, showing ginger spice, peach, and nectarine alongside an assortment of florals. The palate is where it's at though - focused and driven with juicy fruits but serious texture and structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eA complex wine that gives you all the interest of this variety without losing freshness and drinkability. Bravo!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Another top release of a wine that excites the palate, combining complexity, a lingering savouriness and a juicy freshness. It makes for a most charming and un-put-down-able wine.\"\u003cbr\u003e- Jeni Port (Halliday Wine Companion)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.differentdrop.com\/products\/2025-foreign-friends-jeanne-savagnin\" title=\"2025 Foreign Friends Jeanne Savagnin\"\u003eRead More\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e2025 Foreign Friends Anna Gamay\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA cracking little modern Aussie red here from the talented trio at Foreign Friends in Beechworth. For 'Anna', they’ve headed to the Yarra Valley to find the right parcel of Gamay, a variety that's playing an increasingly important part if Victorian viticulture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe winemaking here is very deliberate and keeps the primary fruit flavours at the forefront. They used about 25% whole bunches during a two-week ferment on skins to add a bit of structure and spice, before the wine was tucked away in large, neutral oak over winter and spring. The use of larger format wood works wonders with this variety, retaining all of its purity and just adding that lick of texture, without weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s a ripe and sweet-fruited expression of the variety, led by raspberry, cherry, and plum. There’s some nice complexity too, with floral and herbal hints, but really it's just a delicious easy-going light red that wouldn't mind a chill.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.differentdrop.com\/products\/2025-foreign-friends-anna-gamay\" title=\"2025 Foreign Friends Anna Gamay\"\u003eRead More\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e2025 Foreign Friends Hilma Barbera\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eForeign Friends is a Beechworth-based project from sisters Leila and Crystal and their friend Juliette. They’ve been part of the local wine scene for a decade, eventually launching this label in 2023 to focus on honest, varietally expressive wines. While they are based in Beechworth, they look to standout sites across the High Country for their fruit, sourcing the grapes for this 'Hilma' Barbera from the King Valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit here was fully destemmed and spent two weeks on skins before being tucked away in large, old French oak for the winter and spring. This approach has kept the fruit front and centre while rounding out the edges, giving it the soft, velvety texture that gives good Barbera its charm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s a medium-bodied, juicy red that carries a bit of weight and concentration without feeling heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the nose, you get blueberry and bramble fruit mixed with clove and even a hint of dark chocolate. The palate is medium-bodied and juicy, and more savoury as it opens up. It finishes with fine tannins and a plesant sourness that has you going back for another glass!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s drinking well now but has the structure to sit in the cellar for a few years if you can wait.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Seduces in a deep world of red cherries, ripe redcurrant, blackberry, dried herbs, florals, chocolate and spice with a red earthiness.\"\u003cbr\u003e- Jeni Port (Halliday Wine Companion)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.differentdrop.com\/products\/2025-foreign-friends-hilma-barbera\" title=\"2025 Foreign Friends Hilma Barbera\"\u003eRead More\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Foreign Friends","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44029182607403,"sku":"Foreign Friends Tasting Pack","price":159.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2572\/9722\/files\/ForeignFriendsTastingPack.webp?v=1778283723"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2572\/9722\/collections\/Foreign_Friends_Header.webp?v=1778289073","url":"https:\/\/www.differentdrop.com\/collections\/foreign-friends.oembed","provider":"Different Drop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}