Presented over three volumes:
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
The Australian Ark is the first work to chart the complete history of Australian wine, from 1788 to the present day. It is a romantic and magnificent story of challenges and heartbreaks, told in 3 volumes of over 1500 pages. It is a story of young ambitions in an ancient land, the cycles of tragedies and triumphs, and the development of a truly unique and fascinating wine culture.
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.
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.
‘The Australian Ark captures [Andrew Caillard’s] enthusiasm for all the struggles, ingenuity and imagination that has gone into putting Australian wine on the tables of the world.’ – Geoffrey Robertson AO KC, human rights barrister, academic, author and broadcaster
