Presenting a series of Sunday's showcasing the stories from Wine, Beer & Spirits of the Fleurieu.

These are reproduced with permission from Soul Publishing and Rojina Duval.

These stories feature prominent farmers, fishermen, producers and chefs – from Port Noarlunga to Cape Jervis – along with their favourite recipes and tips. Enjoy!

“Our wine business was established 18 vintages ago, with the fundamental purpose of making small batch-wines that inspire the imagination,” says Samuel’s Gorge founder and winemaker Justin McNamee.

“I really wanted to get back to the grass roots of wine and its purpose – that is, to be enjoyed in the company of great people. I chose McLaren Vale for the clarity of the light, reliability of the long summer seasons and mineral landscape that combine to make world-class wine.”

It was in 2003, while taking a walk in the Onkaparinga Gorge, that Justin came across the old 1853-built heritage farm shed overlooking the river that is now home to Samuel’s Gorge.

“I spotted the old barn on the hill, and I was looking for a space full of character and rustic charm that would inevitably show itself in the wines made there. Our first vintage was made out on the veranda under the blue skies, as a team of friends helped me restore the building.

“The cellar door opened in 2005 and it was far removed from what it is today. It was just me and my dog, hanging out in the space – waiting, hoping, that someone would stumble in.” 

Justin’s focus was to work with grape varieties best suited to the diverse geology, maritime climate and proven wine history in McLaren Vale.

“We work with grapes that thrive under our immense blue sky and those that are well placed at the table of a regional gathering,” says Justin. “Varieties that can best express our rustic barn charm – grenache, tempranillo, graciano, mourvedre and shiraz.”

Justin – known as a flavour-seeker and thought-provoker who is prone to wax lyrical about wine – is supported at Samuel’s Gorge by a passionate team, comprised of Riley Harrison, also a winemaker, alchemist and artist in equal measure; Michael Bennett, cellar door manager armed with a smile and a way to make you feel at home; and Kerrie Arthur, who takes care of the finance and is the person who has all the answers.

PAIRING

“The 2018 rendition of our Mosaic of Dreams – grenache, mourvedre, syrah, carignan – is lifted and floral. Aromas of blood orange and dried strawberries rise first, followed by blackcurrant and raspberry coulis. The palate is more savoury than the nose suggests, carrying with it a sprinkling of mountain pepper enveloped by swirls of caraway seeds and native botanicals. An ethereal wine with a persistent fruit-laden finish. Elegant and velvet-like, this wine would sit beautifully beside a plate of cold-smoked venison with whipped yoghurt and beetroot.”

CELLAR DOOR

“Our winery and cellar door is housed in our old heritage barn overlooking the spectacular Onkaparinga River National Park. Visitors are encouraged to relax and unwind as they are taken through our range of delicious red wines. Watch our winemakers at work in our open-air winery or simply grab a glass and take in our stunning surrounds. We look forward to welcoming you to our little barn on a hill.” 

ADDRESS 193 Chaffeys Road, McLaren Vale

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