19 Crimes Wines | Australian Wine

About 19 Crimes Wines

19 Crimes is a wine brand built on authentic stories of rebellion, defiance, loyalty, and perseverance that shaped Australia's early history. In 1788, banishment to Australia from the United Kingdom became the punishment of choice for those who broke any one of the 19 Crimes—offences ranging from grand larceny to impersonating an Egyptian. Convicts sailed on harrowing journeys across treacherous seas, where months later their fate awaited in the harsh Australian landscape. Times were tough, but these individuals were tougher, overcoming adversity and insurmountable odds to ultimately claim redemption and help build a nation. Each 19 Crimes wine label tells the story of a real convict who was transported to Australia, bringing their tales of survival and transformation to life.

Australian Wine Regions & Sourcing

19 Crimes wines are crafted from premium grapes sourced across South Eastern Australia, a vast geographical indication that encompasses some of the country's most celebrated wine-producing regions. This broad sourcing area includes renowned regions such as the Barossa Valley, known for powerful Shiraz; McLaren Vale, celebrated for rich, full-bodied reds; the Limestone Coast, producing elegant Cabernet Sauvignon; and various Victorian regions contributing complexity and finesse. The diversity of terroirs across South Eastern Australia allows the winemaking team to select fruit with specific characteristics, blending parcels from different regions to create wines of remarkable consistency, depth, and character. The varied soils—from the red earth of the Barossa to the terra rossa of Coonawarra—contribute distinctive qualities to each variety.

Climate & Growing Conditions

South Eastern Australia's wine regions benefit from diverse climatic conditions ranging from warm continental to Mediterranean influences. The warm to hot summers across much of the region promote full ripening and flavour development, creating wines with generous fruit expression and ripe tannins. Coastal influences moderate temperatures in certain areas, whilst inland regions experience greater diurnal temperature variation—warm days for ripening balanced by cool nights that preserve acidity and aromatic freshness. The generally dry growing seasons, with winter and spring rainfall followed by warm, dry harvest periods, reduce disease pressure and allow grapes to achieve optimal ripeness. These varied conditions across South Eastern Australia enable the production of bold, fruit-forward wines with the ripe, approachable character that defines the 19 Crimes style.

19 Crimes Wine Varieties & Range

The 19 Crimes portfolio showcases classic Australian varieties crafted in a bold, accessible style that honours the rebellious spirit of the convicts. The Red Blend combines Shiraz, Grenache, and other varieties to create a rich, smooth wine with dark berry fruit, subtle spice, and soft tannins. Hard Chard (Chardonnay) delivers a full-bodied white with tropical fruit, vanilla, and creamy texture from oak influence. The Cabernet Sauvignon offers concentrated blackcurrant and dark chocolate notes with firm structure. Shiraz expressions showcase the variety's peppery spice, dark plum, and blackberry characters with generous oak integration. The Uprising Rum Barrel Aged Red takes innovation further, finishing the wine in rum barrels for unique vanilla, caramel, and spice complexity. The Snoop Dogg Cali Red collaboration and Martha Stewart-inspired wines demonstrate the brand's contemporary appeal and creative partnerships, whilst limited releases and special editions continue to push boundaries.

Winemaking Style & Philosophy

19 Crimes wines are crafted in a bold, fruit-forward style designed for immediate enjoyment and broad appeal. The winemaking approach emphasises ripe fruit expression, smooth tannins, and generous oak influence—often incorporating American oak for distinctive vanilla and sweet spice characters. Blending fruit from multiple regions allows the winemaking team to achieve consistency whilst showcasing the best attributes of each variety. The wines balance power with approachability, offering full-bodied flavours without excessive tannin or acidity, making them versatile food wines or enjoyable on their own. This accessible style, combined with the compelling convict stories and innovative label technology featuring Living Wine Labels that come to life through augmented reality, has made 19 Crimes one of Australia's most recognisable and fastest-growing wine brands.

The Convict Legacy & Australian Heritage

Each 19 Crimes wine honours the resilience and determination of the convicts who were transported to Australia and ultimately contributed to building the nation. The brand celebrates their transformation from outcasts to pioneers, recognising that many went on to become successful farmers, business owners, and respected members of colonial society. This narrative of redemption and second chances resonates with the rebellious, independent spirit that defines both Australian culture and the wine itself. The authentic historical stories, combined with bold, approachable wines, create a brand that connects heritage with contemporary wine enjoyment.

As independent liquor specialists, we're proud to offer great prices on the complete range of 19 Crimes wines, bringing bold Australian wine with rebellious heritage directly to those who appreciate character, quality, and a good story.