As Seen on ABC Landline: The Yorke Peninsula Mineral Water That Scored 100 Points

We were thrilled to have Kerry Staight and the ABC Landline team visit us on the Yorke Peninsula this year. Their story, "This water scored a perfect 100. Now it's being served like wine", went live on ABC News on 12 September 2026. It covers where our water comes from, how we handle it, and why Australians are starting to treat fine water the way they treat good wine.

Read the full ABC article here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-12/yorke-peninsula-fine-mineral-water/107134142 or view the short video at https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/programs/landline/2026-09-13/fine-water-tapping-into-gourmet-water/107142960

A water source we never went looking for

We bought our property on the western coast of the Yorke Peninsula in 2008, and the surf was the main reason. The first sign of something unusual was freshwater crayfish living in the back paddock, only a short distance from the ocean.

At first we drew the water for our house and our vegetable garden. When we had it tested, the results surprised us. A water engineer told us the mineral balance was exceptional and the aquifer was pristine because it is so isolated. That aquifer sits in the Carribie Basin, and it gave our water its name.

How we protect what's in the bottle

Mineral water is defined by what nature puts into it, so our job is to change as little as possible. We draw Carribie from a sealed extraction point and move it through underground food-grade pipes into holding tanks. Throughout that process we keep oxygen, light and temperature change to a minimum.

We also think about sustainability. Our extraction volumes follow government reports and independent engineering advice, so the basin stays healthy for the long term. We also planted out 30% of the property to Trees For Life way back in 2011.

100 points at an international fine water tasting

In May we took Carribie to an international Fine Water Sumit in Montreal, Canada, which drew more than 110 entries from over 35 countries around the world. One judge gave Carribie Still a perfect score of 100 points, and Carribie Sparkling earned 99 from another judge.

The event showed us how seriously water is now judged. Tasters assess mouthfeel, minerality and how a water pairs with food and wine. Gretchen is now training as a water sommelier.

Now on the table at 2KW Adelaide

Fine dining venues are taking notice as well. The ABC visited 2KW in Adelaide, where sommelier Dan McEvoy serves Carribie as a local alternative to imported European waters. More diners are cutting back on alcohol and ordering premium non-alcoholic options, and a well-made water has earned a place on the drinks list.

A water with a sense of place

Our water has spent a very long time underground, so the rain falling on the Yorke Peninsula today won't reach the aquifer for decades. As Damien told the ABC, he hopes to be around at 95 to taste the rains from 2026.

Taste Carribie for yourself

Carribie Still and Sparkling mineral water is sourced and bottled in South Australia and available to order online.

Shop Carribie Mineral Water →

Thank you to Kerry Staight, the ABC Landline crew, and everyone who has supported us since the story aired.

Feature image ABC Landline: Tony Hill