A bold piece of art is now standing proudly in the Adelaide Hills, with Sidewood Estate unveiling a huge, abstract wine bottle sculpture at its stunning cellar door. The new sculpture is what will now welcome visitors to Sidewood’s Hahndorf abode, and for the team, while it seems to be a playful, larger-than-life celebration of wine, it really began as something far more intimate and is a reminder of their roots.
Rosemary and Desmond Inglis first commissioned the sculpture for their Mt Tamborine winery in Queensland, a personal project that quickly transformed into a local icon. Crafted by award-winning Gold Coast artist Richard Howie, the structure is a modern, architectural interpretation of a wine bottle, built from steel and wire rope in a form that manages to feel both whimsical and monumental at once.
“The sculpture originated as a personal commission from my parents, Rosemary and Desmond Inglis, for their Mt Tamborine Winery in Queensland,” the family shared. “They engaged Gold Coast artist Rick Howie, who proposed this striking design crafted from steel and wire rope — a modern, architectural interpretation of a wine bottle that feels both playful and monumental.”
For more than a decade, the piece stood proudly outside the cellar door on Gallery Walk, becoming part of the region and a quirky, towering reminder of the area’s wine culture and creativity. But when Des passed away and the winery was eventually sold, the sculpture became something more than a statement piece, it became a cherished keepsake.
“After my father, Des, passed away and the winery was eventually sold, the piece held even deeper sentimental value for our family,” they shared. “My mother and I felt strongly that it deserved a meaningful new home — somewhere it could continue to be enjoyed rather than packed away.”
Finding that new home meant facing the not-so-small challenge of transporting and installing a sculpture of that scale. But the moment it was carefully placed at Sidewood’s Hahndorf Cellar Door, it was all worth it.
“Moving and installing a sculpture of this scale was no small feat, but the moment it was positioned at our Hahndorf Cellar Door, we knew it was exactly where it belonged. Now it welcomes new visitors and loyal patrons alike—an eye-catching celebration of wine, creativity, and the connection between our family’s past and Sidewood’s future.”
It’s a fitting addition to a venue already known for combining art, hospitality and wine in its experiences. Just 25 minutes from Adelaide, Sidewood offers award-winning cool-climate wines in its cellar door and restaurant. Plus, they have a focus on supporting local, with a menu built around seasonal produce. The venue itself is adorned with an eclectic collection of art, so the new sculpture outside feels like a natural extension of the creativity within.
With Richard Howie’s works celebrated across Australia and internationally since 1993, the sculpture is an exciting, artistic addition to this destination already high on the must-visit list for Adelaide Hills explorers.
Sidewood visitors can see the sculpture seven days a week, enjoy a guided tasting, or settle in for a long lunch among the vines. Bookings are highly recommended.
Sidewood Estate
When: Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, 11:30am to 5pm. Friday and Saturday, 11:30am to 9pm.
Where: 6 River Rd, Hahndorf SA 5245
For more information, click here.
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