Images: Denis Smith
When we talk about wine, the region, the soil and the climate are brought up early on and play a deciding role when it comes to choosing the perfect drop. But when was the last time someone poured you an ale and told you about the land it came from?
Stonegarden’s new Single Origin Ales are changing that narrative entirely.
In collaboration with fine-ale specialists Malt Donkey, fifth-generation Barossan winemaker Ben Radford has created a limited series of two terroir-driven ales brewed solely from barley grown in the Barossa’s mineral-rich soil. They’re refined, meticulous, and genuinely unlike anything we’ve seen in ales before.
“The inspiration really came from wanting to approach ale-making through a winemaking lens — letting terroir be the star of the ale rather than the mechanics of brewing,” Radford says.
“People assume beer should be loud — big hops, big bitterness. We’re doing the opposite. When you strip things back and let the grain lead, it’s incredibly expressive. Barley can be beautiful. It can be elegant. It can talk about where it’s from.”
This is barley at its most elegant, treated with the same reverence and care as grapes. Each ale is bottle-conditioned, similar to méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine – presented in the same beautiful 750mL sparkling bottles, sealed under cork, and built to age gracefully in the cellar. The first two releases are the culmination of more than 600 trial brews, with each bottle offering a taste of the soil it came from.
“Malt Donkey have pioneered the technology to really hone in on a single harvest of barley from a single site,” Radford says. “The differences between terroirs are incredible.”
And you can taste it. The Central Barossa Ale is golden and savoury with candied pineapple, honeycomb, warm spice and sea spray. It’s umami-rich, but the pine nuts and wild herbal notes bring a refreshing acidity. Dutton is the broody number. It’s dark, rich, and comforting with toasted almond, caramel, dark chocolate and dried orange zest that settles on your palate. Pour into a white wine glass and let the aromatics shine.
The long and the short is – the ales are premium, they’re delicious, and they’re layered with flavour and complexity that appeases even the most discerning crowd. Adelaide. The first two releases have already completely sold out.
“We’re taking pre-orders for the next batch, and growing our own barley in Eden Valley will set us up beautifully for the 2026 vintage. People are very intrigued by a winemaker making ale,” Radford explains.
But it’s no surprise given Stonegarden’s history. Radford’s family has farmed this patch of Eden Valley for more than three decades, he alone has 39 vintages under his belt. Known for mineral-driven wines and a deep respect for the land, Stonegarden has always been anchored in site. Now, that philosophy extends beyond grapes.
“This place has taken 200 million years to form,” Radford says. “Capturing that history in a glass — whether it’s wine or ale — that’s the magic.”
It’s not craft beer trying to be fancy. And it’s not wine in disguise. It’s a third heaven, a soil-to-bottle-to-glass expression that tells you a story. Designed for the curious, the collectors, and the people who care where things come from, Stonegarden’s Single Origin Ales are the ultimate dinner party companion or a patient cellar staple ready for a special occasion. If you’ve ever wanted to watch someone’s idea of “what ale can be” change in front of your eyes, pour this blind.
“This isn’t designed for the person sinking pints at the pub. It’s for someone who seeks nuance. It’s ale for wine lovers,” Radford concludes. “You can taste where it’s grown. That’s the whole point.
Pre-orders for the next batch are open now via the website.
Stonegarden Single Origin Ales
Price: $48
For more info, click here.
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