Koonowla is one of the Clare Valley’s largest and most historic vineyard properties. The property, just east of Auburn in the Clare Valley of South Australia, was first planted with vines in the 1890s and by the early 1900’s was producing from its winery and cellars 60,000 litres of wine annually before a disastrous fire in 1926 reduced the vineyard size and with changing times saw land use conver
t mostly to grain and wool production, but retaining the tradition and vineyard substance from its pioneering founders. Koonowla has remained one of the districts most iconic properties with its beautiful historic stone buildings and rolling broad acre hills where a significant replanting of vines commenced in 1985 and has now expanded to 250 acres. The vineyard, comprising of blocks of carefully selected terroir planted with the three best Clare Valley varietals of Cabernet, Shiraz and Riesling by the estates principal, Andrew Michael, is today one of the best examples of high quality and productive and sustainable viticulture and agriculture. Koonowla firmly believe that its wines and fruit must produce a distinct regional and varietal character and that brands such as Koonowla can always have a strong presence on retail shelves and restaurant lists around Australia and overseas by delivering consistent and high quality wines at affordable value. The Koonowla winemakers, David O’Leary and Nick Walker share with Koonowla the success of accolades and trophies as testament to their understanding of the importance of first class climate, soil profile, viticulture and winemaking in order to deliver the most outstanding results. The Winestyles being pursued by Koonowla and their team are a blend of unshamed Clare tradition with modern winemaking practices.
