The property’s 50 hectares of traditional grape varieties planted across 19 blocks on undulating hillsides deepens the George family’s roots in the region, with vineyards that now spread from the villages of Armagh to Auburn. The Auburn district soil profile at Koonowla includes variations of clay and loam including the famous red terra rossa over limestone, renowned for supporting excellent cabernet sauvignon and shiraz and here also including cabernet franc, riesling and pinot gris, all planted to the best-suited topography.
Koonowla practices sustainable agricultural practices including straw and composted mulch to help retain moisture, add nutrients and build organic carbon into the soils. Vines are tended with expert detail, sensitive canopy management enabling exact sun exposure for peak fruit ripening, and hand pruning and harvesting employed to bring only premium fruit to the winemaking team. Traditional practices sit side by side in the vineyard with high-tech innovations. Sophisticated air-temperature monitors control frost fans to protect vines from sub-zero damage, while significant aquifer water top up natural run-off into dams that supply solar-powered, computer-irrigation systems.
Every aspect of Koonowla’s estate viticulture is geared to the George’s philosophy that great wines come from great fruit. From the 2020 vintage, winemaking is now entrusted to Tapanappa’s much-admired Con Moshos, whose reputation for creating fine wines at Petaluma is universally respected. The re-invigorated Koonowla team, both in the vineyard and the winery, ensures an exciting cellar door tasting experience for visitors and a new generation of affordable premium wines to add to your shopping list.
KOONOWLA
Koonowla has been the source of regionally expressive Clare Valley wines for more than a century, and with re-invigorated vineyards and a new winemaking team the commitment to offer premium quality wines at encouraging and affordable prices has never been stronger.
Look for superb Clare Valley riesling, engaging pinot gris, refreshing rosé through to rich and satisfying shiraz and cabernets.
KOONOWLA
While vineyard horizons and welcoming winery cellar doors are Clare Valley’s key attractions, rolling hills and glorious, painterly Australian landscapes provide an unforgettable backdrop for visitors as they tour a multitude of hidden valleys and historic villages. The region is renowned world-wide for its pure and pristine Australian-style rieslings, courtesy of a unique environment and geology, surprising elevation between 250m and 500m above sea level, and resulting continental climate with warm summer and autumn ripening seasons tempered by cool afternoons and nights.
Clare Valley also is known for distinctively rich, terroir-influenced shiraz and cabernet-based wines, while a new generation of European grape varieties now adds further interest to the overall flavour of the area. Great wine, awe-inspiring countryside, heritage hamlets, inviting restaurants and cafes, friendly locals, and a new adventure at every turn – it’s way too easy to fall in love with the place.
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PART OF GEORGE FAMILY WINEGROWERS
