The reimagined cellar door for Vinteloper Wines in Lobethal is set to open in late September this year. After the devastating Adelaide Hills fires and three years of rebuilding, Vinteloper has restored their historic farmhouse and land, with new photos and artist impressions released ahead of the launch next month.
In December 2019, founder David Bowley lost his 30-hectare property to the Cuddlee Creek Bushfire, which destroyed vineyards, winemaking facilities, and the 1920 farmhouse. From this loss, Bowley adopted regenerative agriculture, focusing on conservation and better land management. He viewed the disaster as an opportunity to rebuild – smarter and more sustainably.
“On December 20th 2019 everything changed for us. Our 30-acre property was devastated by the Adelaide Hills bush fire, destroying 95% of our vines and claiming our 100-year-old farmhouse,” Vinteloper says.
“The damage was epic and there were many times where the reasonable thing seemed to be to throw in the towel. Despite the destruction, you don’t simply give up on your home.
“Over the 5+ years since that day we are proud to say that our vines have regenerated. The thousands of dedicated hours, bare hands on each trunk, has yielded perhaps the most satisfying vineyard, and story, in South Australian Wine.”
The recovery process has cost an estimated $2.5 million.
In 2021, Vinteloper shifted focus to creating a new tourism destination, aiming to blend the historic significance of the original farmhouse with modern architectural design.
“We held a unique opportunity. To architecturally re-imagine the ruin of our 1920 farmhouse, so tragically destroyed in 2019,” Vinteloper says.
“Our dream was two fold. First, build a landmark cellar door and tourism destination in South Australia.
A building of challenging architectural significance. Something to wow. Imagine and execute.
“Second, to elevate our brand and our story through the physical touchpoint of a Cellar Door, where all the fine details had been considered and well executed.”
The new cellar door demonstrates Vinteloper’s commitment to protecting the environment, featuring a Biodiverse Replanting Project with over 2,000 rare native plants. It stands as a symbol of resilience and recovery.
It will be open from September 26th, offering tastings Thursday to Monday from 11am to 5pm. Groups of seven or less can visit without advance booking. The cellar door is set to be a stunning addition to the Adelaide Hills, with one incredible story.
What: Vinteloper New Cellar Door
Where: 589 Cudlee Creek Rd Lobethal SA 5241
Instagram: @vinteloper
For more information, click here.
More News
