Brad Hickey (AKA Brash Higgins) on BLOOM, Keeping Creative, and his Journey From NYC to McLaren Vale - Video

This week, Tom sits down for a cracking conversation with Brad Hickey, aka Brash Higgins, as he takes us through his journey from the buzz of New York City’s restaurant scene to the tranquil vineyards of McLaren Vale. Brad isn’t just a winemaker; he’s a storyteller, a risk-taker, and the mind behind some of Australia’s most creatively conceived wines. In this interview, we dig into the origin story of his ZBO Zibbibo, a Muscat that defies expectations, his Chris Ringland-inspired Omensetter Shiraz Cabernet, and Bloom, his quasi-Jura-esque McLaren Vale Chardonnay that’s a one-of-a-kind drinking experience.

Brad also shares his love of amphora winemaking, the magic of using unconventional vessels, and the creativity that fuels each vintage. We talk food pairings (kimchi with Zibbibo, anyone?), sub-regional differences in McLaren Vale, and the spark that drives Brad to keep pushing the boundaries of what Australian wine can be.

Here's what we tasted during the chat:
- https://www.differentdrop.com/products/2022-brash-higgins-zbo-zibbibo
- https://www.differentdrop.com/products/2018-brash-higgins-omensetter
- https://www.differentdrop.com/products/2017-brash-higgins-bloom

You can shop all of Brad's fascinating collection of wines here at this link:
https://www.differentdrop.com/collections/brash-higgins

Chapters: 0:00 - Intro and Ocean Swimming Banter ????
1:07 - Brad's Early Days as a Sommelier in NYC ????️
4:14 - Tasting Notes: Brad’s Unique Perspective ????
5:45 - The Story Behind Brash Higgins & Moving to Australia ????????
7:45 - Birth of Zibbibo: Muscat Adventures ????
10:00 - Zibbibo and Food Pairings: Breaking Boundaries with Kimchi & More ????
13:08 - Brash Higgins Vineyard: The Home Block Transformation ????
16:00 - Omensetter Vineyard: Naming, Style, and Unique Characteristics ????
18:30 - Shiraz with a Twist: Blood Orange and Campari Notes ????
21:00 - Bloom: The Jura-Inspired McLaren Vale Chardonnay ????
24:32 - Making Wines that Challenge Tradition: The Value of Experimentation ????
29:28 - Brad's Journey and Place in McLaren Vale ????
31:57 - Reflections on Innovation and Creativity in Winemaking ????


Brad Hickey is a winemaker like no other. After making waves in New York’s restaurant scene, he headed to McLaren Vale and became Brash Higgins. This interview gives you a taste of his wild winemaking philosophy, experimental spirit, and the remarkable wines that have made Brash Higgins a cult favourite.

Subscribe for more chats with the best winemakers! ????✨