Three McLaren Vale wine brands have opened a communal cellar door
A new (history-packed) cellar door opens its doors in McLaren Vale this weekend. Three wine brands call it home.
Food & Wine
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When life gives you lemons, converge with like-minded winemakers to find a new way to serve your wine to the people.
That’s exactly what three small McLaren Vale wine brands did when they used the coronavirus-inflicted enforced downtime to transform a historic sandstone cottage into a communal cellar door.
“148 McMurtrie Road” has officially opened its doors, housing Lino Ramble’s Angela Townsend and Andy Coppard, Sherrah Wines’ Alex and Liz Sherrah, and Bondar Wines’ Andre Bondar and Selina Kelly, who have each transformed a room in which to pour their creations.
“To have three small producers in one space is quite unique,” Mr Sherrah said. “When you’re small it can be difficult to even consider opening a cellar door. It’s scary but we’re so excited to welcome people and pour our wines.”
Each room and brand has a different aesthetic. “There’s some crossover in our approach to winemaking but a lot of difference too,” Mr Coppard said. “So it will be great for people to explore that in one space.”
Named after its address, the beautiful old building was built by the Sparrow family who formerly owned Wirra Wirra. Tales of yore permeate the structure. Former occupant, the late Connor “Jack” Sparrow was by all accounts, quite the character.
“We’ve had locals and relatives of Jack Sparrow dropping in to tell us their memories of playing tennis and swimming in the pool that used to be here,” Mrs Townsend said.
The property’s current owners Drew and Rae Noon lovingly restored the 1897 building and lease it to the wine brands. “We all drove past this building for years,” Mr Coppard said. “The work they put in is amazing. It’s their way of giving back to the community.”
This weekend’s celebrations include a food truck, outdoor seating and plenty of wine. The cellar door is open seven days a week.