An instantly acclaimed history of the Australian wine industry, The Australian Ark, has been released by Andrew Caillard MW and officially launched in bookstores around the country.

The epic three-volume release tells the stories of the individuals and events that have shaped the wine industry in Australia. Taking into account social and political history, The Australian Ark highlights the imagination, strength, and foresight of Australia’s fine wine pioneers as they built an industry that became a centre of influence and power over more than two centuries.

It is the first work to chart the complete history of Australian wine, from 1788 to the present day.

The release has already been nominated in the Best in the World category – Wine Book – at the GOURMAND Awards 2024.

Author Andrew Caillard MW is one of the most authoritative wine experts in Australia and has been a central figure in shaping the nation’s fine wine agenda for more than 40 years.

A direct descendant of South Australia’s Reynell family and a co-founder of auction house Langton’s, Caillard has held a lifelong fascination for Australia’s wine families and the country’s social, economic and political history. The Australian Ark integrates all these strands with pace, energy and empathy.

In the foreword, Geoffrey Robertson AO KC, Australian human rights barrister, academic, author, and broadcaster, introduces The Australian Ark as: “A lengthy and scholastic work [comprising] an enthusiastic tale of an industry we can be proud of.”

Volume 1 covers 1788–1900, ‘The Colonial Era’; Volume 2 highlights 1901–1983, Federation to the Modern Era; and Volume 3 focuses on 1983 to the present day, ‘Contemporary Times – Recollections and Perspectives’.

James Halliday AM has described the trilogy as “a triumph”.

“It is remarkable and it is beautiful,” he said.

The Australian Ark is co-published by The Vintage Journal and Sydney-based Longueville Media. The standard paperback edition retails for $199 and is available here.