Our Story
The year 1908 marks the beginning for the greatest game of all, rugby league which was formed at the Railway Hotel in Brisbane.
Q1908 – is a collaboration between the Queensland Rugby League and Ben Riggs, an award-winning Australian winemaker, with over 48 vintages completed both here and abroad.
Ben is known for uncompromising high quality wines, a worthy partner to celebrate the number one sport in Queensland and the greatest game of all.
Q1908 pays homage to the people, the communities and the places which are central to the fabric and the passion we share for our game of rugby league in Queensland.
These notions are represented by three wines;
The Queenslander - a bold and flavourful Shiraz from McLaren Vale one of Australia’s best regions for Shiraz.
The Clubhouse - a fresh, crisp cool climate Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc, the perfect wine to kick off a gathering.
The Cauldron - a Sparkling Brut from the Adelaide Hills, a finely crafted wine perfect for celebrating life’s achievements.
These wines and their stories are intended to “unite, excite and inspire”.
Q1908 "THE QUEENSLANDER"
The Queenslander represents the spirit, passion and unique charm Queenslanders embody - the participants, fans, volunteers, Queensland Maroons members, and those that don the Maroons jersey. On one hand, appearing incredibly laid back, cheeky and contented, but on the other, having an undeniable drive, resilience and never-give-up attitude.
Q1908 "THE CLUBHOUSE"
The Clubhouse represents the fabric of the community, a meeting point for people to connect, enjoy sport, and to gather regardless of whether that is in a remote, regional or city location. The Clubhouse bonds people.
Q1908 "THE CAULDRON"
The Cauldron represents the venue of extreme emotions, of so much success and of magical moments - a place to celebrate special occasions. It ignites feelings of excitement, jubilation and sheer joy.
BEN RIGGS - OUR WINEMAKER
Ben Riggs or favourably known as Mr. Riggs has been in the winemaking game both in Australia and Internationally for more than 35 years. Ben has consulted with over 25
winemaking companies and has decades of vintages at McLaren Vale’s Wirra Wirra under his belt as well as founding Mr Riggs Wine Co. in 2001.
Graduating from Roseworthy Agricultural College in Adelaide, Ben furthered his experience through vintages abroad in the Napa Valley, Bordeaux, Greece, Italy, and the South of France as well as Australia. Ben has logged a whopping 47 vintages in total. Ben’s winemaking skill has been recognised locally through over 100 trophies, countless gold medals and awards including winning the Great Australian Shiraz Challenge twice, McLaren Vale “Bushing King" twice plus two nominations for Gourmet Traveller Winemaker of the Year.
Ben’s winery in South Australia is positioned at the premium end of the ladder, and uses his extensive contacts with growers to pick exceptional fruit from the Adelaide Hills, Clare Valley, Barossa Valley, Coonawarra and McLaren Vale. Ben’s winemaking philosophy is to make unpretentious wines that express the essence of the vineyard and the region’s terroir in a style that Ben enjoys drinking; big, rich and complex, but also with finesse, texture and elegance.
Ben is passionate about community and is known for his active involvement in preserving the integrity of the land. He played a lead role in developing the sustainable farming program in McLaren Vale. The program initiated over 10 years ago was rolled out nationally in 2019.