Chris Hemsworth “For me, wine is synonymous with time shared with family and friends”

How did you first become familiar with wine?

Before meeting my wife (Ed. the actress Elsa Pataky), who was born in Spain, like most Australians I only drank beer. And then one day Elsa told me this could not go on. She felt I needed to educate my palate and that I should drink slightly more noble, or even sophisticated drinks! Translation – wine! My wife is the one who introduced me to it. As I was really wine illiterate, she started by buying me some books. You know, like ‘Wine for Dummies’. Also, the minute we got the chance we would go to exclusive bars or good restaurants. I started off with a red Rioja. When the wine waiter brought the bottle, he went back over the whole history of this great wine. It was fascinating. I was drinking his words already!

You have travelled a lot, both promoting your films and personally. Around the world, where is the place where you had your best wine tasting experience?

At home in Australia, or to be more specific, in the Barossa Valley. It’s one of the oldest wine regions in my country. It is located around fifty kilometres north-east of Adelaide. Here, wine enthusiasts from around the world enjoy our robust, fruity and elegant wines. You get a warm welcome and unforgettable wine tourism experiences. I would suggest you visit wineries like Penfolds, Yalumba or Jacob’s Creek. In my opinion, the Barossa Valley is not only an exceptional place for growing wines, it also symbolises the excellence of Australian wine growing.

What are the local wines you recommend?

When we talk about the Barossa Valley, we immediately think of Shiraz. It really is the region’s iconic grape variety. Shiraz wines from the Barossa Valley are renowned for their depth, their richness and their complexity. They often have aromas of black fruits, chocolate, spices and oak notes due to barrel ageing. They are powerful, structured wines with remarkable ageability.

The region also produces outstanding Rieslings. These white wines are usually dry with aromas of citrus fruits and white flowers and vibrant acidity. Barossa Riesling is enjoyed for its freshness and its purity, and it is often compared to the finest Rieslings from Germany and Alsace. We also have wines made from other grape varieties like Grenache, Mataro, Cabernet-Sauvignon and Semillon.

How would describe the importance of wine in your everyday life?

For me, wine is synonymous with time shared with family and friends. It’s something that brings people together, whether that’s a quiet dinner at home or a big party. I also value the artistic aspect of winemaking and the hard work put into every bottle.

Do you have any advice for wine enthusiasts looking to expand their knowledge?

All I can say is, be inquisitive! Don’t restrict yourself to what you already know. Try wines from different regions and grape varieties. And if you get the opportunity, visit vineyards and talk to winegrowers. They often have fascinating stories and valuable knowledge to share.