Maker:
Spinifex Wines was founded in 2001 by Peter Schell and Magali Gely, both deeply rooted in the Barossa Valley and inspired by a strong connection to France. Peter, having honed his skills in the famed wine regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Provence, and Languedoc, and Magali, from a family of vignerons in Lunel near Montpellier, bring a blend of European influence and Australian passion to their winemaking. Their philosophy is to craft wines that are authentic, expressive, and reflect the true character of their vineyards. With a commitment to sustainability and working closely with dedicated growers across the Barossa and Eden Valleys, Spinifex creates wines with balance, depth of flavour, and Barossan generosity. Peter and Magali’s dedication to quality and respect for the land have guided Spinifex from its beginnings to become a producer of wines that are both handcrafted and innovative, offering a unique voice in Australian winemaking.
Philosophy/Vineyard:
At Spinifex, the philosophy centres around the belief that the best wines are born from exceptional vineyards. The estate focuses on identifying and nurturing unique sites that showcase the full potential of the terroir. This is why Peter and Magali have carefully selected vineyards such as the Rostein and Dominion Vineyards, which are integral to their premium bottlings. The Rostein Vineyard, perched high in the Eden Valley, and the Dominion Vineyard, with its old vine Grenache and Shiraz on the Barossa Valley floor, produce pure expressions of the varieties they are planted to. These vineyards, with their unique soils, mesoclimates, and altitudes, provide Spinifex with the opportunity to create wines that are stylistically diverse yet consistently exceptional.
The winemaking process at Spinifex blends old-world techniques with modern innovations, reflecting the team’s desire to craft wines that express the true essence of each vineyard. From organic vineyard management to minimal intervention in the cellar, Spinifex wines are a celebration of the land, the people, and the unique qualities inherent in every grape. The combination of careful vineyard stewardship, sustainable practices, and a focus on craftsmanship results in wines that are vibrant, complex, and above all, an authentic representation of the Barossa’s rich diversity.