They say that good things come in small packages and that just might be true for Ashton’s Lofty Valley Estate.
The boutique maker of chardonnay and pinot-based wines is making a name for itself among the region’s small cool climate producers after winning a handful of industry trophies at the 2022 Adelaide Hills Wine Show.
The label – which produces between 500 and 800 cases of wine a year – took three gold medals and one silver as well as Best Chardonnay, Best White Wine, Best Small Producer under 100 tonnes and Best Single Vineyard.
But it’s not only the trophies that owners Brian Gilbert and Lani Ramsey have celebrated recently.
They opened a new cellar door on the 13ha property at the end of last year and have since been welcoming visitors to enjoy the impressive views over the Piccadilly Valley.
Brian, a medical doctor turned winemaker, describes the cellar door’s location as “modern, private and hidden away from everything”.
“You can’t see it from the road, you walk down a tree-lined driveway and you’re in this little valley,” he says.
“We have a deck that’s big enough for about 20 people and a tasting room that’s big enough for about 10 people.
“Most places you sit have a view down the hill and across the valley.”
The sweeping views of the vineyards – often shrouded in fog in winter – are impressive and can be enjoyed by visitors with a glass of wine inside or on the outdoor deck.
Tastings are available for wine lovers, while guests with an appreciation for art and textiles can also browse collections of wearable pieces by Lani in her upstairs studio.
The garments are made from wool, cotton, hemp, silk, alpaca, qiviut and more, and include clothing, scarves, hats, bags and other accessories.
Lani draws on more than three decades of spinning, weaving and natural dyeing experience to create one-of-a-kind items from the home studio.
Lofty Valley Estate’s journey began back in 2005 when about 1.6ha of chardonnay were planted followed by a hectare of pinot noir in 2007.
The same year Lani came to Australia from Canada, marrying Brian and beginning a love story that continues among the vines.
In 2010 the winemaking venture began and industry and wine show judges were soon paying attention, awarding the label for its premium chardonnay, pinot noir and sparkling.
