One of the stars of the Coonawarra region, Balnaves of Coonawarra has had a steady progress since their first planting of 5ha in 1976 to their current position as one of the most acclaimed wineries in the country.

Doug Balnaves and his vineyard manager son, Peter, now have over 58ha of vines planted in Terra Rossa soil, with the bulk, 70% being Cabernet Sauvignon, and smaller proportions of Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Chardonnay. The blocks are kept small, between 1 and 2ha, to allow a more refined vineyard management, with trellising, clone and row directions all differing as required.

Superstar winemaker Peter Bissell, a Qantas/Gourmet Traveller Winemaker of the Year, then produces wines that reflect this terroir, with a focus on complexity and structure rather than simple varietal fruit characteristics. The wines are designed to be aged to reveal their best, and their structure allows them to shine as an accompaniment to quality foods.

All this care and effort has been reflected in the vast number of industry plaudits awarded, including the highest producer rating and a Winery of the Year award from James Halliday, a Wine of the Year award from Jeremy Oliver, wine show trophies aplenty, and universal critical praise, both internationally and at home.