The world underestimates Australian wine. Eddie McDougall wants to change that.

<p>A single glass of Alsatian pinot blanc changed the direction of Eddie McDougall&rsquo;s life.</p> <p>In this episode of the <strong>Halliday Wine Companion Podcast</strong>, host Anna Webster sits down with winemaker, entrepreneur, TV personality and founder of <strong>The Flying Winemaker</strong>, Eddie McDougall.</p> <p>Eddie shares how his upbringing between Hong Kong and Australia, his father&rsquo;s extraordinary entrepreneurial journey, and an unexpected encounter with wine inspired him to abandon the conventional business career expected of him and pursue winemaking.</p> <p>That decision took him from putting nets on vineyards at Shadowfax to working alongside respected winemakers at O&rsquo;Leary Walker, Clyde Park and Giant Steps, before travelling to Italy to work at renowned Barolo producer Vietti.</p> <p>Eddie also reveals how he became involved with a pioneering urban winery in Hong Kong, where grapes from regions including the Clare Valley, McLaren Vale, Bordeaux, Tuscany and Piedmont were snap-frozen and transported to the city for winemaking.</p> <p>The conversation explores the explosive growth of Hong Kong&rsquo;s wine market, the rise of Chinese fine wine, changing drinking preferences across Asia and the global perception problem currently facing Australian wine.</p> <p>Eddie explains why Australian wine is too often viewed internationally as either inexpensive and uncomplicated, or represented solely by a handful of famous luxury producers. He believes Australia needs to present its wines with greater confidence, pride and aspiration.</p> <p>Anna and Eddie also delve into the creation of his premium <strong>E.J. McDougall</strong> label, including its old-vine McLaren Vale Shiraz and Grenache, Margaret River Chardonnay and forthcoming Tasmanian Riesling.</p> <p>They discuss the importance of trusted grower relationships, limited production, international allocations and Eddie&rsquo;s ambition to produce wines capable of representing Australia on the world stage.</p> <p>Plus, Eddie shares the remarkable story behind <em>The Flying Winemaker</em> television series, his work promoting Chinese wine through the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards and the philosophy that continues to guide his career.</p> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/e.j.mcdougallwines/">Follow E.J. McDougall on Instagram</a></p> <p><a href="https://ejmcdougall.com/">Explore E.J. McDougall Wines</a></p> <p><a href="https://theflyingwinemaker.com/">Discover The Fl