We’re very excited to welcome our first winery guest on the pod. Andrew Duff (aka Duffy) is the winemaker and general manager at Briar Ridge. In today’s episode, he sits down with Hugh to talk about his path into winemaking, the wines that excite him, and what it takes to keep customers close.

Duff shares what brought him back to the Hunter, why varieties like Albariño and Fiano are getting more of his attention, and how Briar Ridge balances heritage with fresh ideas. He talks through the wines he’s proud of, the surprises visitors find at the cellar door, and why keeping marketing simple is often the smartest move.

For wineries listening in, this episode is packed with practical insights. Duff explains how he balances the craft of winemaking with the realities of running a business, the tools he relies on to stay connected to customers, and his best advice for small teams doing it all.

Whether you know Briar Ridge well or are just discovering the wines, this is a chance to hear directly from one of the Hunter’s most grounded winemakers about what drives him and where the region is heading.

🍷 Want to keep your winery marketing simple and effective? Book a chat with Brunch here.

📘 Looking for more practical tips? Explore our free resources designed for wineries.