Today, the family’s second-generation blends tradition and innovation and is guided by a passion for sustainably grown, alternative grape varieties. Back in 1988 together with my wife, Wendy and partners Martin and Jill Lightfoot we purchased land in McLaren Vale and started planting grape vines. Now I am pleased to say Hastwell & Lightfoot is one of McLaren Vale’s most exciting and innovative win
egrowers. Since planting our 16 hectares of vines in the deep sands of McLaren Vale’s Foggo Road we have continued to push our winegrowing frontiers. Our family-owned, boutique winery is now under the guidance of second-generation family members, my son James Hastwell – Winemaker and nephew Kishan Sidhu – General Manager. Together with Wendy and my experience their youthful exuberance is evident in the innovation and development of H&L’s wines through new varieties, new branding, and a new passion to showcase our wines. The H&L wines tap into our strength and experience of over 30 years’ history and use this as the framework and foundation of making our future wines. ‘Old world’ wines have been reinvigorated through a ‘new-world’ winemaking paradigm, youthful yet experienced winemaking with mature vines from a world-class winegrowing region. Whilst we continue to foster traditional varieties, H&L is at the forefront of new and emerging Mediterranean wine varieties, which we believe will be the new tradition of McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu region. Wines, such as Italian Fiano and Vermentino and Spanish Garnacha and Tempranillo, complement our mainstays of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. These varieties reflect the changing Australian culinary landscape, with a world view of food, the melting pot of dishes and authentic flavours no longer seen as exotic. Small batch winemaking ensures wines with an approachable drink-now style are eminently suited to enjoy with food, hence our catch cry, wines made for eating. These well-structured wines with balanced tannin, acid and fruit intensity will further develop and mature with judicious cellaring. Enjoy our award-winning McLaren Vale wines at the H&L Cellar Door in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Take in the views of the vines as you unwind on our front deck with a wine flight and one of ‘SA’s Best Platters’ (as awarded by Adelady) or settle in on one of the Chesterfields by the fire – you could definitely spend a winter’s afternoon there! We all look forward to seeing you at our Cellar Door soon.
