During this difficult time it is important for us to support our local businesses and community. Cool Clutch will be sharing about our stockists across the country and we are beginning with those in South Australia and Western Australia. Visit one of these stunning locations near you, order award-winning wines and spend some time seeing what the local area has to offer.
Western Australia
Jarvis Estate, WA
Location: The Bramley sub-region of Margaret River, south of Perth
Owners: Matt and Jackie Jarvis
Established: 1997
A drop about Jarvis Estate: Matt and Jackie Jarvis pride themselves on growing, fermenting and bottling their wines entirely on their own property, in true estate fashion. They make the classic wines Margaret River is famous for: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Malbec and Cabernet Merlot, as well as the boutique Cabernet Franc. Free tours and tastings can be made by appointment.
Current status: The Cellar Door is open 7 days a week from 11 am until 5 pm at 808 Wirring Road, Bramley – just 10 minutes from the Margaret River town centre.
Cool Clutch loves: Unwinding with a Jarvis Estate Rose. It is dry, crisp and fresh with a hint of raspberry and is a gorgeous deep pink colour.
Experience the region: Whilst known for being a winemaking area, Margaret River also offers the opportunity to whale watch, explore caves and see the nearby Busselton with its beautiful pier.
Redgate Wines, WA
Location: Margaret River region close to the coastline where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet.
Owner: Bill Ullinger
Established: 1977
A drop about Redgate Wines: Redgate Wines is a family owned business with an emphasis on the entire winery experience, not just exceptional wines. They invite you to enjoy the picturesque property and enjoy life’s simple pleasures: spending time with family and friends. Redgate offers a variety of wines, including: reds, whites, bubbles, rose and dessert wines.
Current status: Redgate is open for purchases and restricted tastings have been available from 6 June 2020. Unfortunately, the vineyard was hit by a freak weather system on 17 June which destroyed power lines and buildings. However, the cellar door is still open for business.
Cool Clutch loves: A chardonnay at any time of the day or night. The 2016 Ullinger Reserve Chardonnay is a particular favourite with its white peach, cream and oak tones. This vintage won 4 Gold medals and an outstanding 95 points from James Halliday.
Experience the region: Margaret River has stunning landscapes, incredible fauna and flora and charming towns to explore.
Sittella Fine Wines, WA
Location: Swan Valley on the Swan River, 30 minutes drive from Perth
Owners: Simon and Maaike Berns
Established: 1998
A drop about Sittella Fine Wines: This is one of the newest, privately owned wineries in the region and it is named after a local bird that frequents the area. Sittella creates high quality, traditional-style wines, including: sparkling, reds, whites and fortified wines.
Current status: Sittella's restaurant is now open for an extra day of the week. You can visit from Wednesdays to Sundays for lunch and their Cellar Door is open from Tuesdays till Sundays.
Cool Clutch loves: Sittella Sparkling Chenin Blanc that is perfect on its own or for a dinner party celebration. It is subtly textured with oak, has a refined finish and pairs wonderfully with seafood.
Experience the region: There is plenty to visit nearby, including: two chocolatiers, motor and transport museums, heritage trails, galleries and a water park.
South Australia
Wynns Coonawarra, SA
Location: 380 km from Adelaide
Winemakers: Wynns’ Senior Winemaker, Sue Hodder, and Winemaker, Sarah Pigeon, have one of the longest partnerships in wine making, two decades. Along with viticulturalist, Allen Jenkins, they are the face of Wynns Coonawarra.
Established:1891
A drop about Wynns Coonawarra: Rich in history and rich in soil, Wynns Coonawarra had several owners before being bought by the Melbourne Wynns and by 1981 they were the largest grower in the district. The region’s specific location and temperature range as well as its terra rossa soil make it perfect for growing intensely flavoured grapes, and accordingly, premium Cabernet Savignon.
Current status: Wynns Coonawarra reopened on 3 July and will operate 7 days from 10 am until 4.30 pm with social distancing rules in place. It is suggested that you call ahead to check a suitable time to visit the Cellar Door on 08 8736 2225.
Cool Clutch loves: Finishing a meal with Pedro Ximenez NV (500 mL). This wine could be formally classified as a classic Apera but it is more of a complex dessert style wine. It won Gold at the 2019 Perth Royal Wine Show.
Experience the region: The Coonawarra Wineries Walking Trail spans 20 kilometres, making it easy to walk from one winery to the next. Coonawarra is a short twenty minute drive to the World Heritage listed Naracoorte Caves, which are 800 000 years old. It is also one hour from Robe, a beautiful, celebrated local beach.
Kimbolton Wines, SA
Location: Langhorne Creek is 55 minutes from Adelaide on a natural floodplain between two rivers on the shores of Lake Alexandrina
Owners: The Case Family
Established: Land bought in 1911
A drop about Kimbolton Wines: This vineyard has been passed down through five generations and takes its name from the birthplace of Judy Case’s ancestral home in the United Kingdom. They now have 56.9 hectares of land and make a range of white, red, rose and sparkling wines.
Current status: Kimbolton’s opening hours have changed for the time being to 12 pm until 4 pm. They are offering seated wine tastings and carefully matched Wine & Cheese Flights. Bookings are essential to be seated inside. (Due to social distancing, they can only fit ten people indoors). Otherwise visitors can sit outside under patio heaters or around the chiminea to enjoy a glass of wine and an individual tasting plate of regional produce.
Cool Clutch loves: Sitting in the unique Cellar Door drinking the 2019 Kimbolton Montepulciano Rose. The Cellar Door is made from two shipping containers (though you would never know it) and has a fabulous view of their vines. Enjoying the vibrant, crisp, dry rose is one our favourite things to do when visiting the area.
Experience the region: Visit nearby Goolwa, Strathalbyn or Milang, the Monarto Zoo (one of the largest open range zoos in the world) or head to the nearby Tolderol Game Reserve which offers the opportunity to see 160 species of birdlife.
Paulett Wines, SA
Location: Paulett Wines is about an hour and a half from Adelaide in a sub-region of the Clare Valley.
Owners: Neil and Alison Paulett
Established: 1983
A drop about Paulett Wines: Paulett Wines is a family business that incorporates an Indigneous Australian Bush Garden and Cafe alongside their winery. They have won countless awards for their Riesling over the years but also make a variety of other red and white wines.Current status: Paulett Wines have re-opened their newly renovated Cellar Door and offer new seated Wine Experiences. There are two options to choose from: a casual for a half hour tasting or 45 minutes for a flight of five matched with delicious canapés. The Bush Devine Cafe also has a new lunch menu. People are advised to book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Cool Clutch loves: To enjoy the stunning view at the restaurant when we are in the area. We adore their South Australian oysters and whiting paired with the 2019 Polish Hill River Riesling. It appeared in the Australian Wine Showcase Magazine - September 2019 GOLD - receiving 95 points.
Experience the region: Visit gorgeous nearby towns, take a hike in the nearby conservation areas, check out the Clare Valley Art Trail and eat at celebrated local restaurants.
Where will you visit first? If you can’t get there in person, remember you can always order these exceptional wines straight to your door.