‘It’s probably the finest book I’ll get to review in my lifetime.’ – Tamlyn Currin from jancisrobinson.com

Over three lavishly illustrated volumes Andrew Caillard MW, renowned in Australian and international wine circles for his work as a wine auctioneer, expert, and writer, tells the stories of the individuals and events that have shaped this industry in Australia.

Volume 1: 1788–1900
The Colonial Era

Volume 2: 1901-1983
Federation to the Modern Era

Volume 3: 1983–present day
Contemporary Times – Recollections and Perspectives

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.

Also included in the work is a Canon of Australian Wine and the fascinating stories behind these labels is intertwined through the narrative. This is not a definitive list of the country’s most important wines and vineyards, but it reveals the overall pattern of development of fine Australian wine and will hopefully spark passionate debate long into the future.

Sample internals
Sample internals

Features

  • The most extensive history of the Australian wine industry ever written.
  • The author Andrew Caillard, is one of the most respected and authoritative wine experts and Master of Wines in Australia and is exceptionally well connected to the international wine world.
  • Includes a Foreword by Geoffrey Robertson AO KC, human rights barrister, academic, author and broadcaster.
  • The project has been truly collaborative, with all major wineries and wine industry professionals around Australia providing historical details and many never before seen images from their archives.
  • A unique collaboration that promises to redefine the world’s impression of Australia’s fine wine ambitions from the earliest days of white settlement.
  • Highlights extraordinary visions and achievements while laying fresh new groundwork for storytellers, marketers, students, and wine professionals.

About the Books

Each beautifully produced set of The Australian Ark comprises 3 volumes of around 500 pages each and is presented in a beautiful presentation case. Each volume is lavishly illustrated and printed in full-colour, with book dimensions of 246 x 170 mm.

Hardback Standard edition

The Hardback Edition

Quarter bound with linen spines, gold foiling for the title, and depicts a major piece of Australian art with a connection to the period covered in the volume. Every set is presented in a beautiful fabric presentation case.

Collector's Linen edition

The Collector’s Linen Edition

In hardback. Contains the same content as the primary hardback edition but is bound in 100% beautiful linen with a gold-embossed title.

Standard Paperback edition

The Paperback Edition

Contains the same content as the hardback with the same beautiful art covers and is presented in a polypropylene slipcase

Collector's Leather edition

The Collector’s Leather Edition

For those wanting the ultimate gift or for lovers of fine wine, we have also produced a luxurious Collector’s Leather Edition presented in a beautiful linen presentation case.