OUR STORY
The Road Less Travelled
Our story began with a vision that wouldn’t let go: a 15-year-old Jeffrey Grosset captivated by the simple yet profound image of hands planting a vine cutting into soil. That moment planted a seed that would grow into an unwavering belief—exceptional wine starts with choosing precisely the right place and nurturing it with meticulous care.
In the early 1980s, Jeffrey embarked on his winemaking journey in Clare Valley, South Australia, (photo of winery building in 1981) but not in the conventional way. While others followed established paths, Jeffrey chose experimentation and innovation, guided by that foundational principle: it starts with place. His unconventional approach meant questioning everything, from vineyard practices to the smallest details of winemaking.
The Gentle Pursuit of Excellence
Our winemaking process reflects Jeffrey’s original philosophy: gentle, uncomplicated, never rushed. Everything aims toward the finest expression of variety and place. Avoiding all inputs that threaten quality may seem obvious, yet achieving this has taken decades of learning, questioning, and refining.
The breakthrough came through biodynamics—not as a destination, but as a teacher. It forced us to see our vineyards as living ecosystems, revealing connections we never knew existed. Soil microbes, lunar cycles, predator-prey relationships—suddenly we understood that making great wine meant listening to what the land was telling us.
Pioneering Spirit, Timeless Vision
Jeffrey’s innovations extend beyond the vineyard. In 2000, he led Australian and New Zealand winemakers in embracing screwcaps, fundamentally changing how we preserve wine quality. He continues to privately fund research, always questioning, always improving.
Whether it’s our iconic Polish Hill Riesling, elegant Gaia Cabernet Sauvignon, or any of our acclaimed offerings, every bottle reflects this journey of discovery. Each wine bears the hallmark of uncompromising standards and that original vision: to produce wines that capture the essence of this pristine landscape.
Jeffrey’s vision was simple yet profound: “to produce wines of uncompromising quality that capture the essence of this pristine landscape.”
The Continuing Journey
Forty-five years later, we’re more confident than ever in our wines, and more curious than ever about our vineyards. The more we discover about the connections between soil, season, and vine, the more we realize how much we still don’t know. And that’s exactly where we want to be—honoring our heritage while embracing the endless possibility of learning from our place.
Jeffrey’s vision remains unchanged: hand, soil, vine, and the patient pursuit of wines that truly speak of where they come from.