OUR STORY

Having enjoyed the hospitality, amazing food and beautiful wines of the Fleurieu Region for many years, George and Jodie decided to investigate the possibility of a “lifestyle property” where their children could grow up enjoying and emulating their outdoorsy, fun, country childhoods. Jodie's idea was a beach retreat at Port Willunga where she could sit on the veranda with the latest issue of Country Style magazine, kids happily playing on the beach and beach walks with Tex (our dog at the time). Unbeknownst to her, (but in hindsight, not surprising) George’s idea was a property on the banks of the Murray River where he could enjoy skiing – a sport he loved as a teen.

One fateful day in December 2015, George came home and made the announcement that he had purchased said lifestyle property, but it came with a catch – an 88 acre vineyard fronting the Finniss River at Currency Creek!! Family laughed “yep, and Pigs Might Fly too”, “What a Pie in the Sky idea”, you are “Off with the Fairies” were some of the sayings bandied around that evening. Family did eventually adapt and now affectionately call said vineyard “George’s Folly”.

Initially planted for bulk grape supply to large wineries (which is still the mainstay of the property), George decided to graft the Riesling grapes over to some varietals which could be made into the wines he enjoys today and are more suitable for our climate - hot dry summers, cold winters. This little patch includes Roussanne, Nero d'Avola, Montepulciano, Primativo, Saperavi and Sauvignon Gris and we have just embarked on our second phase, taking the tops off the Cabernet Sauvignon vines and grafting over to Gamay, Pinot Noir and some more of our favourite Nero d'Avola.

So ... our foray into the wine industry was born and continues!

And whilst we affectionately call the vineyard “George’s Folly”, we take it all pretty seriously as we like to drink and enjoy what we produce! As for the relaxing and skiing …. certainly not as much as we’d like!