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What do you get when you mix wine, a touch of ’80s nostalgia and a winemaker with a story to tell? An evening that proves the past still has plenty of life in it.
I headed to Culture Wine Bar on Bree Street for the launch of Awaken the Arcade, Bruce Jack Wines’ latest collection. And no, we weren’t there to play Pac-Man (although that would’ve been a perfectly acceptable way to spend the evening). We were there to discover what happens when a decade of big ideas meets a glass of wine.
As we settled into the evening, Bruce Jack took us through the thinking behind the collection, sharing the stories, techniques and inspiration that shaped every bottle.
What's behind the name Awaken the Arcade?
So, why the ’80s? For Bruce, it’s personal. He grew up in that decade, and looking back, he remembers a time full of fun, colour and exciting technology, when arcades were buzzing and home computers were brand new. That spirit runs through the range, with labels inspired by beloved arcade games of the era, like Space Invaders and Pac-Man, the dot-gobbling maze game. Awaken the Arcade is his way of capturing that feeling in a bottle.
One of the standouts for me was the Marmalade Invader, an intriguing wine that offered something a little different and held my attention. I also enjoyed Wireframe, a Riesling-Sauvignon Blanc blend, which added another dimension to the experience. It was a good reminder that exploring a new collection is as much about discovering unexpected favourites as it is about appreciating familiar varietals.
The wines are made in small batches, bringing together traditional winemaking techniques and modern technology. The idea isn’t just to recreate the past, but to capture some of its spirit. Beyond the tasting notes and bottles on the tables, there was a real sense of connection in hearing the story directly from the man behind the wines.
It turned what could’ve been a standard wine tasting into a deeper look at the ideas that gave this collection its character.
What you need to know:
- Bruce Jack.com online wine retailer
- Awaken the Arcade is available nationwide
- The 8-Bit Tannat is also available online from Woolworths.
- Visit their wine club for exclusive deals
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