Tapanappa Tiers Vineyard 1.5m Chardonnay 2024

Tapanappa is the product of a vision that spans decades and generations. Founded by Brian Croser, one of the pioneers of the Adelaide Hills wine scene, Tapanappa continues his legacy of innovation and quality that began with the creation of Petaluma. Tapanappa’s story is one of dedication, commitment, and passion, which has shaped the modern wine culture of the region. After Petaluma was taken over in 2001, the Croser family retained ownership of their home and the iconic Tiers Chardonnay vineyard, the birthplace of what would become Tapanappa.

In 2002, Brian and his wife Ann, in partnership with the Cazes family of Château Lynch-Bages and Bollinger Champagne, established Tapanappa. The French partners stayed with the winery until 2014 when the Crosers regained full control of the Piccadilly Valley winery and cellars, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the Tapanappa story. Today, the winery is run by Brian’s daughter Lucy and her husband Xavier Bizot, with their son-in-law Sam Barlow overseeing winemaking. Their hands-on involvement ensures that Tapanappa’s wines continue to reflect the values of the Croser family: precision, authenticity, and respect for the land.

The name “Tapanappa” is deeply tied to the philosophy that guides the Croser family’s approach to winemaking. Derived from the 550-million-year-old geological formation beneath the Fleurieu Peninsula, it means “sticking to the path” in the local Aboriginal language. This philosophy is evident in their vineyard selection process—by carefully matching climate, soil, and geology to the right grape varieties, Brian Croser has ensured that each wine is a true expression of its terroir. Tapanappa’s commitment to authenticity is reflected in their meticulous approach to viticulture and winemaking, creating wines that honour their origins while embracing innovation.