"Send us that really special wine."
That's what we asked our independent winemakers when we went looking for something a little different. “It’s a pretty special opportunity - for us and the Angels,” shares Hunter Valley winemaker Ash Horner.
“[The wine I shared] is something special and something I’m very proud of,” says NSW winemaker Thomas Hordern.
That’s exactly what we were after. We wanted the wine they'd been saving for a special occasion. The rare grape they'd been dying for more people to discover. The exceptional little batch they'd made and were bursting to tell someone about.
A little something out of the ordinary
Our winemakers are always coming across something special. A rare variety, an exceptional vintage, a wine they've been quietly perfecting or a little experiment that turned into something rather wonderful. They're a curious – and very clever – bunch.
And getting to taste the results? That was a treat. One you’re now in on, too.
Here's how it started. We got the team together, tasted a few hundred wines, swapped notes, argued over our favourites and debated who got to take the leftovers home for further "research".
(Yes, it was the kind of day at the office that reminded me why I love my job so much.)
What became very clear? These weren't just unusual wines. They were wines our winemakers were genuinely proud of. The bottles they wanted to put their names to and share with our Angels. And we couldn't wait for you to try them.
As Ash puts it: "Something different, something interesting, something you may not have heard of before."
And then something else happened…
The team got to taste through a few hundred wines to bring you these special drops.
Too special to save
Originally, we'd set these beauties aside exclusively for our 2026 Christmas Collections.
But then the Angel feedback started rolling in. Big ratings, glowing reviews and some rather enthusiastic requests to make more bottles available to buy individually. (Dare I say, demands.)
Well, we heard the message loud and clear.
We managed to nab a small number of these special Christmas wines for limited standalone releases. So Angels can now discover them by the bottle, or let us do the exploring for you with one of three curated six packs.
Choose your showcase:
Believe me, I celebrated just as much as you will - because I’ve got my eye on several to stock up on! I love having fresh wines to share with my family and friends, let alone wines you just can’t find everywhere else. The kind of wines that make people say “what is that?”... in a good way. (Followed closely by “can I have some more?”)
Rare grapes. Remarkable stories. Really good wine
There's plenty to get curious about. From lesser-known varieties like Greco and Falanghina to the unexpected Syrah Blanc and Fortified Touriga Nacional, these are bottles that give you something new to talk about around the table… or to tuck away.
A few sneaky highlights:
The Aglianico worth getting into trouble for: One winemaker got into hot water with his team for sharing this special wine. We can understand why he'd want to keep it to himself.
A Montepulciano worth saying twice: A deliciously rewarding red that's just as enjoyable to drink as it is to pronounce.
A trophy-winning late harvest Semillon: This sweet little beauty took home the trophy for Best Sweet White Wine at the Hunter Valley Wine Show.
A Reserve Pinot Noir from WA: An elegant, special bottle that's practically made for sharing with your Christmas pork.
Winemaker Bart Van Olphen with his 2026 Heathcote Greco, included in our Deluxe White 2026 Christmas Collection.
What the Angels say…
We gave a group of Angels a sneak peek of winemaker Bart Van Olphen’s all-new wines at Tasting event earlier in the year. The feedback was instant and overwhelming positive. We also got serious questions about exactly WHEN the wines would be available, WHERE and HOW MUCH. Safe to say they were well received!
Personally, Bart’s Greco is going to be a permanent fixture in my fridge this summer. Greco is one for people who like their whites with a bit more going on. It's rich, layered and full of personality, with lovely aromas of baked apple, vanilla, brioche and a little flinty edge. There's gorgeous stone fruit through the palate, too, but what really makes it sing is that lovely chalky freshness keeping everything in check. Originally from southern Italy, Greco has found a rather happy home in the warmth of Heathcote, where it naturally holds onto its acidity while developing plenty of flavour. The team hand-pick the grapes, wild ferment the wine and give it time in old French oak to build all those lovely layers. It's not just your light, zippy summer white – think something a little more considered, with enough going on to pair beautifully with richer fish dishes, roast chicken or pork. And if you can resist drinking it now, it's a wine that'll reward a little time in the cellar.
His Aglianico (the one worth getting in trouble for) is seriously special. It’s a late ripener, soaking up the warmth of the Heathcote region before being hand-picked and given plenty of time to develop. The result is a gorgeous medium-bodied red with layers of red plum, warming spice, cocoa and a lovely earthy edge. It's got structure without being too heavy, a bit of polish, and the kind of depth that makes you want to pour another glass. There’s also enough going on to tuck a few bottles away for later. This is a grape variety more people deserve to know.
What the winemakers say…
Watch: Ash Horner shared what makes his MVP so special, and what to expect from his limited release Montepluciano.
Watch: Thomas Hordern gives you the perfect pairing tips for his award-winning Reserve Late Harvest Semillon 2025, which picked up Best Sweet White Wine at the 2026 Hunter Valley Wine Show.
Wines to feel proud to pop on the table
These are the bottles we're excited to see opened, poured, passed around and talked about.
Because behind every one is a real person, a real story and a whole lot of passion. Independent winemakers putting their heart and soul into making something worth discovering. “I feel very privileged to share this with you all,” says Thomas. “It’s not like you can just buy this down the local bottle shop.”
And that's what we love about Naked. Giving great winemakers the chance to make great wine, and giving you the chance to discover something you might never have found otherwise. “It’s so important to support Aussie winemakers this Christmas,” says Ash. “Times are tough and we need all the backing we can get.”
Winemaker Ash Horner and wife Lauren tasting their 2025 'The Rogue' Montepulciano which can be found in our Deluxe Red 2026 Christmas Collection.
Don't leave it too long
A heads-up: these wines are available in very small quantities, and only for a limited time. When they're gone, they're gone.
Whether you're tempted by one intriguing new bottle or ready to let us introduce you to six, there's no better time to get curious.
Here's to opening something real, something different and something worth sharing.
