Mallee Estate Wines

Mallee Estate Wines is a family-owned winery nestled in the Riverland region of South Australia, offering a unique blend of Australian winemaking and Greek heritage. Here's what wine enthusiasts can expect when visiting this acclaimed estate:

History and Heritage

Founded by Greek immigrants Peter and Eleni Markeas in the 1960s, Mallee Estate began as a dream to own a vineyard and produce quality wines. The first vineyard was established in 1969 with just 3 acres of Shiraz. Today, the second generation, Arthur and Jim Markeas, continue the family legacy, expanding the winery's reach to international markets.

Vineyards and Winemaking

Mallee Estate boasts three separate vineyards in Renmark, each chosen for its unique soil composition to produce distinctive grapes. All wines are made exclusively from estate-grown grapes, ensuring complete control over quality from vine to bottle. The winery is equipped with state-of-the-art processing equipment, including temperature-controlled cellars and cross-flow filtration systems.

Award-Winning Wines

The winery has garnered significant acclaim, including being named Riverland Winery of the Year at the New York International Wine Competition for five consecutive years. Their 2015 Tempranillo and 2013 Reserve have both received double gold medals, showcasing the exceptional quality of their wines.

Cellar Door Experience

Open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, the cellar door offers wine tastings and the opportunity to purchase their award-winning wines. Visitors can enjoy dips, pita, and cheese platters throughout the day, perfect for complementing the wine tasting experience.

'Vine to Wine' Tours

For a more immersive experience, Mallee Estate offers 'Vine to Wine' tours Wednesday through Sunday at 11:30 am. Led by winemaker Jim Markeas, these tours provide an in-depth look at the winemaking process, from the vineyard to the bottle. Highlights include:

• A walk through the vineyards with explanations of viticultural practices

• A trip to the 7-meter catwalk platform for panoramic views of the estate

• Insights into the crushing, blending, and bottling processes

• A guided tasting at the cellar door

Eleni's Restaurant

To complete your visit, Eleni's Restaurant offers authentic Greek cuisine made from family recipes passed down through generations. The restaurant is open for lunch daily from 12 pm to 2:30 pm, and for dinner Thursday to Saturday from 5:30 pm onwards. It's the perfect way to pair Mallee Estate's wines with complementary Mediterranean flavors.

Sustainability and Innovation

Mallee Estate is committed to environmentally effective management practices in their vineyards. They also produce a special line of wines called "230 Strong Men," made from organically grown grapes using sustainable vineyard practices, paying homage to the region's resilient early settlers.

Accessibility and Amenities

The winery caters to visitors with various needs, offering wheelchair accessibility, facilities for those with vision or hearing impairments, and accommodations for people with allergies and intolerances. Additional amenities include free Wi-Fi, outdoor dining areas, a gift shop, and pet-friendly spaces (upon inquiry).

For wine lovers seeking a unique Australian winery experience with a touch of Greek hospitality, Mallee Estate Wines offers a perfect blend of history, quality wines, and culinary delights in the heart of South Australia's Riverland region.