SINCE 1971
History
Balnaves family arrived in the district.
After 18 years as a farmer and part time shearer, Doug Balnaves employed by Hungerford Hill Vineyards P/L to develop 100 hectares of vines on the Coonawarra property that they had purchased from the Balnaves family in 1970.
Doug with the aid of Bill Redman the then “Grand Old Man of Coonawarra” first made wine in an old cement vat in 1974 after being transferred from the children’s swimming pool from the back of the ute. Since that first experience in winemaking, Doug has been more than happy to leave winemaking in the hands of highly trained and qualified winemakers.
Bill Redman was the instigator in Doug’s foray in to learning to love red wine. Interestingly, the baton has been handed over to following generations of Redman’s – Bruce, Mal and Dan – who continue to this day to “help” Doug continue his journey of the love of red wine!!
The first vines of the Balnaves vineyard comprising of 2.5 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon and 2.5 hectares of Shiraz, were planted on the rich terra rossa soils fronting the Riddoch Highway, these vines are still producing outstanding wines 45 years later
Doug Balnaves resigned as manager of the Hungerford Hill Coonawarra vineyards to further develop the Balnaves vineyard.
Annette and Doug Balnaves formed the vineyard development and management company Balnaves Vineyard Services P/L.
Kirsty Balnaves & Pete Balnaves returned from positions in Tasmania & NSW respectively to join the family company and in that year the first Balnaves wines were produced on a contract basis at a neighbouring winery. At the same time David Lear, the mechanic who has kept a complex variety of viticultural machinery in outstanding working order for almost 30 years joined the company.
The architecturally designed Cellar Door was opened for wine sales.
There had been a growing feeling within the family that if Balnaves were to produce a consistently high quality wine, that total control, from vineyard to winemaking would be desirable and in 1995 the decision was made to construct the Balnaves winery. The family was joined by winemaker Pete Bissell who planned the winery and supervised the construction.
Winemaker Pete Bissell joined the Family who now celebrated 25 Vintages with Balnaves.
Our striking new 1000 tonne winery, designed and supervised by Pete Bissell was completed. The outer building which was the work of architect Steven Herbert received a major architectural award.
The first Balnaves wines to be made in the new winery were produced by Pete Bissell.
The first Super Premium Cabernet Sauvignon wine, ‘The Tally’ was produced on the advice and after some urging, from Peter Bissell.
Pete Bissell wins Qantas/Gourmet Traveller Winemaker of the year.
Our 2004 ‘The Tally’ wins Jeremy Oliver’s Wine of the Year
Balnaves wins James Halliday’s Wine Companion Winery of the Year.
The Tally listed as Outstanding – Langton’s V
The Tally again listed as Outstanding – Langton’s VI
The Tally for the third time, listed as Outstanding – Langton’s VII
Pete Bissell won Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO) Winemaker of the Year.
Balnaves continue their streak of 17 consecutive years of being awarded 5 Red Stars from the James Halliday Wine Companion.
With over 30 years of winemaking experience and 25 of those being Senior Winemaker at Balnaves of Coonawarra, we farewell Pete Bissell as he ventures into his next chapter in life of retirement.
After two years working under Pete Bissell as assistant Winemaker, Jacinta Jenkins (JJ) took over as Senior Winemaker after Pete retired in July 2020.
The Tally for the fourth time, listed as “Classified” (Outstanding) – Langton’s 8th Edition
Maddie LeMire appointed as Winemaker, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for Balnaves.
The Blend 2022 listed as Australia's Best Red Under $20 in The Australian Weekend Magazine's annual Top 100 Wines.
