Ministry of Clouds

Ministry of Clouds represents the bold vision of Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood, two former corporate wine professionals who launched their own label in 2012 in Australia's McLaren Vale. After decades working with great Old World wines from Burgundy and Piedmont, they bring a European sensibility to Australian winemaking—crafting elegant, mid-weight wines that prioritize restraint and food compatibility over power.

Their approach focuses on identifying exceptional old-vine sites—some up to 103 years old—across McLaren Vale's cooler subregions like Clarendon and Blewitt Springs, plus Clare Valley and Tasmania. Since purchasing their 11-hectare Chase Vineyard in 2016, they've farmed sustainably, producing estate-grown Shiraz, Grenache, and Mediterranean varieties.

Critics immediately recognized their talent, with James Halliday naming them a Top 10 Best New Winery in 2015 after debut releases scored 94-97 points. Ministry of Clouds wines showcase laser-focused acidity and crystalline purity—a modern Australian expression shaped by global perspective