S3 Ep 21 - Ricca Terra Wines

10/12/24 • 25 min

Buying a dead cherry patch in South Australia’s Riverland and converting it into a vineyard, may not sound like the best career move. However, for my guest today bold decisions like that have dominated his winemaking journey. The first-generation farmer has been making wine for two decades now. Ricca Terra Wines (meaning ‘rich earth’ in Italian) has found the key to success with carefully selected grape varieties, innovative low alcohol options and in a surprise, even to himself, cask wine. To learn more Ashley Ratcliff of Ricca Terra joins me now to discuss:

Ashely’s favourite place in the Riverland of South Australia.
The great story of how Ashley came to live there and the condition of his land when he purchased it.
The beginnings of the property and the decision Ashley is most proud of.
Demonstrating innovation in his ability to adapt depending on the global climate.
Ashley has more than 50 grape varieties, including Portuguese grapes and shares why he has taken this approach in the vineyard.
Riverland in South Australia is hot and dry, and by taking the weather into consideration, Ashley has proven that this region can be used for vineyards.
Consumer tastes are so important and, the huge market for lower alcohol options.
Ashley shares his surprising business choice to launch cask wines and, some of the challenges.
Ashley has the accolades to back up his success - in 2019 he was awarded a five-star rating in the 2020 James Halliday Wine Companion and again in 2021. He was also listed in the Top 10 upcoming wineries in Australia.
Ashley is an advocate for the industry and is co-chair of the Riverland Wine Association.
With China imposing tariffs during COVID and more recently an oversupply, Ashley shares the ‘yellow balloon’ he is focusing on right now.
What Ashely loves most about life on the land.
The most common misconception about the wine industry.
The unexpected aspects of working in this area.
Ashely’s ultimate dream for the future.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.

Links:

Angie Asimus

Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram

Partnered with Australian Farmers

Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram

Ricca Terra Wines

Produced by Pretty Podcasts

Ashely’s favourite place in the Riverland of South Australia.
The great story of how Ashley came to live there and the condition of his land when he purchased it.
The beginnings of the property and the decision Ashley is most proud of.
Demonstrating innovation in his ability to adapt depending on the global climate.
Ashley has more than 50 grape varieties, including Portuguese grapes and shares why he has taken this approach in the vineyard.
Riverland in South Australia is hot and dry, and by taking the weather into consideration, Ashley has proven that this region can be used for vineyards.
Consumer tastes are so important and, the huge market for lower alcohol options.
Ashley shares his surprising business choice to launch cask wines and, some of the challenges.
Ashley has the accolades to back up his success - in 2019 he was awarded a five-star rating in the 2020 James Halliday Wine Companion and again in 2021. He was also listed in the Top 10 upcoming wineries in Australia.
Ashley is an advocate for the industry and is co-chair of the Riverland Wine Association.
With China imposing tariffs during COVID and more recently an oversupply, Ashley shares the ‘yellow balloon’ he is focusing on right now.
What Ashely loves most about life on the land.
The most common misconception about the wine industry.
The unexpected aspects of working in this area.
Ashely’s ultimate dream for the future.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.

Links:

Angie Asimus

Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram

Partnered with Australian Farmers

Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram

Ricca Terra Wines

Produced by Pretty Podcasts

Previous Episode

S3 Ep 20 - A Little Bit Agricultural

On this podcast we aim to show-off our best agricultural minds to listeners. My guests today have the same goal – but to viewers. A Little Bit Agricultural is a video series that aims to entertain and educate anyone who is a little curious about how their food and fibre is produced. Hosted by celebrity fisherman Andrew Hart and agricultural scientist Oscar Giudici. To learn more about the show – Andrew and Oscar join me now to discuss:

Oscar's favorite places from his travels since launching the series and hear about some impressive farms he’s visited.
Andrew, a seasoned host of ‘Hook, Line and Sinker’ for 20 years, shares how he transitioned from finishing to exploring the farming industry, despite having limited knowledge about agriculture.
Andrew discusses the motivation behind the series ‘A Little Bit Agricultural’
Oscar, with his background in agricultural science, joins Andrew to create a compelling narrative, blending adventure motorcycle travel with agricultural insights.
Hear how Oscar’s passion for adventure motorcycle travel has intertwined with the project, offering a unique perspective throughout the series.
The dwindling interest in agricultural science and how the series aims to inspire a new generation to explore this exciting field.
The people they have met along the way and the perception barriers commonly associated with farming.
Shedding light on the farming industry and rural lifestyle and, the surprising elements they’ve encountered.
The most unexpected thing that has happened since the series began.
Common misconceptions about agriculture and filming on the land.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.

Links:

Angie Asimus

Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram

Partnered with Australian Farmers

Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram

WATCH A Little Bit Agricultural

A Little Bit Agricultural

Produced by Pretty Podcasts

Next Episode

S3 Ep 22 - Lady Ba Ba

There are sheep farmers, and then, there’s Lady Ba Ba. My guest today is an incredible advocate for agriculture and the industry is lucky to have her. Through her social media platforms, she educates people about the wonders of wool and takes on some tough topics, often successfully turning critics into fans. With such a bubbly personality, it’d be a waste if we didn’t see more of her. So, thankfully you can also catch her on television. Lady Ba Ba, otherwise known as Mel McGorman joins me now to discuss:

Mel has a sheep and grain farm in South Australia and shares her favourite place there.
Her first viral post, which was footage of a bushfire and it’s impact which, made international news.
Wool is an amazing fibre and most are unaware it is fire resistant.
The argument and reasoning around the practice of live sheep export and, the facts around this method.
As a farmer and a mum, Mel uses social media to share stories about the reality of raising a family on the land.
Mel shares the opportunities which have arisen with social media and, the importance of ‘putting yourself out there’.
With the cost of living, Mel explains the different sorts of meat we can be eating to reduce costs.
Supporting local farmers and butchers.
Her experience on Channel 7’s “South Aussie with Cosi” https://southaussiewithcosi.com.au/
What Mel loves most about working on the land.
The most unexpected thing to happen on this journey.
Dissolving misconceptions around farming and looking after animals.
Mel’s ultimate dream for the future.