Tell us a bit about yourself Steve. 

I'm Brisbane born and raised and work as a teacher. I was a rugby referee for 26 years to Super Rugby level. In the last few years I've started playing AFL and I absolutely love being part of a team. You can expect me to be glued to test cricket when it's not footy season or trying to break the land speed record on my bike.

How did you become a wine writer?

When Twitter became trendy, I created an account to log some notes. I've met some great people through that platform, one of whom suggested I start a blog. So I did. Since 2011, this little passion project has now morphed into a website that has exploded. 8,000+ reviews later and I'm quite humbled by its growth and readership (over 2.5 million hits in the first five months of 2026).

Best and worst thing about it?

Best: exploring the diversity of the Australian wine landscape, uncovering small producers and sharing their work to a new audience, and meeting so many incredible humans across the industry who are so kind and selfless with their time.

Worst: Going out to dinner with friends and being put in charge of the wine list.

What's unique about QWine? 

QWine Reviews is an approachable, jargon-free wine site with consistent independent reviews, spotlighting both major and emerging Australian producers while connecting everyday drinkers to wine through relatable, consumer-focused storytelling.

What's the state of the industry?

The quality of wine produced in Australia has never been better. But consumers are shifting to other beverages which are being marketed better. Younger consumers are shifting to RTDs and craft beer. Wine Australia has been sitting on its hands while other sectors' promotion has soared. The oversupply of cheap wines and the increased growth of supermarket and corporate brands has driven grape prices down. To aid cash flow, many producers are offloading stock through discount sites, which makes it a buyer's market. If you know what you like and where to look, there are plenty of bargains to be found, but this is not a win for the industry as a whole.

What are your top tips for wine lovers?

Be curious. If the local bottle shop has a tasting, pop in to expand your palate and knowledge. Also, don't be afraid of emerging varieties. Sure, the name may be different or hard to pronounce, but there are so many climate-appropriate varieties being planted in Australia now which mirror their (often) European home and these are excelling in our conditions.

Pet peeves about the industry?

Influencers. They are in it for themselves. Their insatiable appetite for free product without any real interest in the people or brand moving forward is not cool. The facts are, particularly in the wine industry, these influencers are never quoted, they regurgitate press releases and live in a circular society where they backslap one another, which is the only real plaudits they receive. Sigh.

How did you discover Huntington Estate?

I first came across Huntington Estate after being introduced to the brand by wine marketing and communications guru David Cumming from Define Wine. I've enjoyed observing the growth and evolution of the brand since.

How would you describe Huntington?

Huntington Estate is a label steeped in tradition. These are classic wines that age comfortably for decades due to those robust Mudgee tannins that take three to four years to settle. I do love the iterations of Shiraz, the softer touch brought to the winemaking with Grenache in recent years, and the exciting shift to modern takes on things like Rosé ensure that the brand has wines across the portfolio accessible for every wine lover.

What's your favourite Huntington wine of recent years? 

To drink now, I'd rush to the Barrel Fermented Chardonnay for its complexity, but the picnic vibes and deliciousness of the Rosés of late are incredibly inviting too.

For the cellar? A couple of years ago, I was sent a cellar release Special Release Shiraz 2009 to review. With 15 years already under its belt, it was in elite form, yet it still has at least a decade left in it. Superb!

Steve Leszczynski, Q Wine Reviews

www.qwinereviews.com

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