The Scholar and the Storyteller: Ed Cavanagh on the History of the Cellar Door

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Ed Cavanagh’s wine writing stands apart. He somehow fuses the flair of a journalist with the depth and precision of a scholar — a rare combination, but then again, few writers in the wine world have a background quite like his.

Many of you will know Ed from his work across the Limestone Coast wine industry, or from his time in cellar doors throughout South and Western Australia. But his story stretches much further — from the world of law and academia, including a Cambridge Fellowship, to the vineyards and communities that now shape his writing.

When Ed fell in love with the wine industry, he brought with him a remarkable set of tools — a sharp analytical mind, a storyteller’s instinct, and a genuine curiosity about people and place. It’s no surprise that his work has been recognised, recently earning him a shortlist spot at the Australian Wine Communicator Awards.

Anyone who has read Ed’s writing knows how he operates: he doesn’t just tell the story of wine — he digs into its context, the politics, the culture, and the consequences that often ripple beneath the surface.

It was an absolute privilege to sit down with Ed to unpack one of his recent pieces. There’s so much more to explore, and I’ve no doubt this will be the first of many conversations with him. But for now, a huge thanks to Ed Cavanagh for joining me.

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