George's Folly

What makes them special?

Having enjoyed the hospitality, great food and wines of the Fleurieu Region for many years, George and his Partner (let’s call her Ms J) decided to investigate the possibility of a “lifestyle property” where their children could grow up enjoying and emulating their outdoorsy, fun, country childhoods. Ms J’s idea was a beach retreat at Port Willunga where she could sit on the veranda with the latest issue of SA Life, kids happily playing on the beach and beach walks with Tex (our dog). Unbeknownst to her, George’s idea was a property on the banks of the Murray River where he could enjoy skiing – a sport he loved as a teen.

One fateful day in December 2015, George came home and made the announcement that he had purchased said lifestyle property, but it came with a catch – an 88 acre vineyard fronting the Finniss River at Currency Creek!! Family laughed “yep, and Pigs Might Fly too”, “What a Pie in the Sky idea”, you are “Off  with the Fairies” were some of the sayings bandied around that evening. Family did eventually adapt and now affectionately call said vineyard “George’s Folly”.

Initially planted for bulk grape supply to large wineries (which is still the mainstay of the property), George decided to graft the Riesling grapes over some varietals which could be made into the wines he enjoys today, and we now have a little patch which includes Roussanne, Nero d’Avola, Montepulciano, Sauvignon Gris and more recent plantings of Primativo and Saperavi, and we are toying with the idea of several other Italian white varietals in the next few years. And so our foray into the wine industry was born!

And, whilst we affectionately call the vineyard “George’s Folly”, we take it all pretty seriously as we like to drink and enjoy what we produce! As for the relaxing and skiing …. certainly not as much as we’d like!