Go inside Adelaide Hills winery Vinteloper’s new cellar door, rebuilt after the 2019 Cudlee Creek bushfires
Destroyed in the 2019 Cudlee Creek bushfires, Vinteloper winery has been rebuilt with a new cellar door and tasting room opening on Saturday.
Food & Wine
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The use of fire-retardant materials and dual sprinkler systems are among the bushfire-safe measures built into the new-look Vinteloper winery in the Adelaide Hills.
Almost five years after it was destroyed in the 2019 Cudlee Creek bushfires, the acclaimed venue has been reconstructed as a cellar door and tasting room thanks to a multimillion-dollar refurbishment.
Vinteloper founder David Bowley said “every precaution” was taken with the new build, including the use of fire resistant steel and brick, plus two sets of sprinklers.
“In the event of a fire up here, it might actually be the best place to be. You’re going to be protected by multiple systems,” said Mr Bowley of the venue, which reopened to the public on Saturday September 28.
“What we’ve come up with is pretty spectacular and very special, and we’re really proud with what we’ve achieved as a team.”
A first-generation winemaker, he established Vinteloper about 17 years ago, building it up with wife Sharon Hong.
In the aftermath of the devastating blaze which left their 1920s farmhouse in ruins, Mr Bowley said he wasn’t sure they’d get back to this point.
“There was a lot of doubt. I’ve been reflecting heaps on the events at the end of 2019 and it doesn’t get any easier to tell you the truth. It was such a traumatic time,” he said.
“But at the same time, we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for that. And what we’ve created is amazing – it’s certainly exceeded expectations.”
Visitors to the revamped Vinteloper can enjoy a selection of grazing plates to go with their range of wines, including their award-winning 2023 pinot noir.
“There’s a variety of indoor and outdoor seating, intimate spaces … it’s a great place to spend a few hours,” Mr Bowley said.
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