Children of Mollydooker winemaker, Luke and Holly Marquis, launch new McLaren Vale label ‘Don’t Tell Mum’

They’ve grown up between the vines of one of South Australia’s best wineries, but for a brother and sister duo it’s time to shake things up – just don’t tell their mother.

Don't Tell Mum winemakers Holly and Luke at their property in McLaren Vale. Picture: Ben Clark

Growing up between the vines in McLaren Vale, Luke and Holly Marquis know a good drop when they see it.

From a sauvignon blanc to a shiraz, the siblings have been given a world-class education on all things wine from their mother Sarah – the owner and chief winemaker at Mollydooker.

But, after years of learning the ropes, they decided it was time to shake things up – just don’t tell mum.

The duo have launched their own label – Don’t Tell Mum – with a simple motto of wine without the fuss.

“We want to reframe wine for young people, and make it so it’s not about having to think about tasting notes or what food you can have it with,” Holly said.

“Do whatever you want with it, there’s no rules,” Luke adds.

There’s a lot more to the name than a cheeky nod to their winemaking upbringing, with each bottle displaying a QR code which encourages people to share their wildest stories they’ve never told their parents.

Siblings Luke and Holly’s new wine label ‘Don't Tell Mum’ has a simple motto of wine without fuss. Picture: Ben Clark

The partners in wine have also collaborated with The Weekly Fifty, launching a knock-off quiz each Friday.

They hope these marketing tools will help include the ever-expanding amount of young people opting to not drink alcohol.

The duo have been blown away by the support since launching earlier this month, with their mum their number one fan.

“She was a little bit nervous to start off with, but now she’s tasted the wine and seen what we want to do with it, she’s completely behind us,” Luke says.

Holly Marquis has launched luxury villas between the vines at Mollydooker. Picture: Harry Vick

It’s not all fun and games though, with 10 per cent of all profits going towards revegetation projects in the local area.

It’s not the first time the pair have stepped out on their own, with Holly welcoming guests to her stunning off-grid villas – Rare Earths Retreats – near Mollydooker’s cellar door earlier this year.

The luxury accommodation overlooks the McLaren Vale vineyards. Picture: Harry Vick

The villas are completely off the grid, each powered by solar panels. Picture: Harry Vick

The luxury accommodation has all the offerings for a perfect night away, with a kingsize bed, indoor and outdoor fireplaces and bathtub on a private deck overlooking the McLaren Vale vineyards.

The three villas are entirely sustainable as well, with each powered by solar panels and using rainwater collected from the roof.

Originally published as Children of Mollydooker winemaker, Luke and Holly Marquis, launch new McLaren Vale label ‘Don’t Tell Mum’