Love those rich and minty Cabernets that Coonawarra is famous for? Then you owe a debt of thanks to Wynns…
It begins in 1890, with John Riddoch’s visionary community of small tenant farmers, producing quality crops in the red soils north of Penola. So fruitful was his enterprise, that an enormous winery was required to process the grapes they produced. Riddoch personally supervised the build. But great abundance led to oversupply, followed by a market slump, and a depression. The depression.
During this time, while the great winery remained intact a pot still was installed, where for decades the distillation of brandy became the main focus. Then, in 1951 an advertisement appeared in the Australian Brewing and Wine Journal offering the vineyard, wine cellar and distillery known as Chateau Comaum for sale.
The property was snaffled by wine merchants, S. Wynn & Co. Samuel Wynn was a highly successful Melbourne-based wine distributor. But it was his son, David, convinced of the region’s potential - not for fortifieds, but for fine table wines - who took the leap of faith, and Wynns Coonawarra Estate was born
David was a savvy manager, and an energetic marketer. He introduced the iconic labels with the gables - featuring the striking woodcut of the triple-gabled winery – that are still used today.
Under winemaker Ian Hickinbotham, Wynns produced head-turning Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz (James Halliday rates the 1955 Wynns Michael Hermitage as one of the great wines of the twentieth century) – and the awards started rolling in. Then, in 1977, Wynns snagged the Jimmy Watson Trophy, with its 1976 Coonawarra Estate Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon. Wynns had arrived; and Coonawarra was back on the map.
Today Wynns is known as one of the country’s most prestigious producers of fine wine. Under the stewardship of senior winemaker Sue Hodder, alongside fellow winemaker Sarah Pidgeon and viticulturalist Allen Jenkins, Wynns continues to shine.
At the core of Wynns winemaking philosophy is a profound respect for region, heritage, and human ingenuity. They’re even prepared to tap into yours. So if you’re ready to start channelling your inner winemaker, get down to the Wynns Cellar Door on Memorial Drive, and head for the Blending Lab. Who knows? The definitive red stripe Coonawarra blend could be yours.