Meletos | Winemaker of the Month, September 2023

Spring has finally sprung, and for September our Winery of the Month is none other than Thick as Thieves.

Our Winery of the Month concept began as an effort to highlight the wonderful work and wines being produced right here in our own backyard and has evolved into a month long celebration ending in a winery take-over event. Keep an eye out for more information on this event as we near the end of the month.

Syd Bradford initially started Thick as Thieves as a virtual operation in 2009, buying in fruit and renting wine making facilities, and after years of hard work, he finally achieved every winemaker's dream and purchased the Cypress Ridge vineyard in 2012. This gave Thick as Thieves not only a permanent home base and security that allowed for the growth of the business, but also the inheritance of mature Pinot vines that have come to produce the fruit for the esteemed Thick as Thieves premium pinot noirs. 

As a self proclaimed ‘one man show’ from tending the vines, crafting the wines, marketing and selling the products, Syd has the freedom to create wines and wine styles that he enjoys himself and feels creatively inclined towards. Ever known for crafting unique and experiential varieties of wine, Syd aims to make wines that are textural, fruit driven and savory, that are innovative and interesting to drink. Syd feels that through experimentation, while also embracing and acknowledging seasonal differences, he is able to keep his wines on people's radar, while also ensuring he is still producing quality, lively wines.

To showcase the innovative nature of Thick as Thieves, and Syd himself, we have selected the 2023 Arneis and 2022 Gamay to feature this month here at Meletos. Having recently won ‘Best other white variety or blend’ at the Yarra Valley Wine Show, Syd describes the Arnies as a textural, medium-bodied, barrel fermented white, that just screams out for perfect food pairing. 

The 2022 Gamay is a beautiful light bodied red, with a lovely savory earthiness to it, and fine grainy tannins that can be chilled coming into the summer months.  

The name ‘Thick as Thieves’ eventuated from Syd finding out the true meaning of the phrase after years of misunderstandings. He instantly pictured ‘best buddies’ sharing all their secrets over a glass of wine. So we invite you to find your partner in crime, and come down to Meletos to enjoy a lively glass of Syd’s wine and some equally delicious food, as according to Syd, the best way to enjoy a glass is with your best friends.

Find out more about Syd and Thick as Thieves at https://tatwines.com.au/

Book a table at Meletos here.