Salena Estate Wines
Nestled in the sun-drenched Riverland region of South Australia, Salena Estate Wines offers wine enthusiasts a delightful experience that combines premium wines, organic practices, and Italian-inspired cuisine. This family-owned winery, established in 1998 by Bob and Sylvia Franchitto, has quickly become one of the largest producers of organic wine in Australia.
Location and Vineyards
Salena Estate is situated at 837 Bookpurnong Road, Bookpurnong, in the heart of the Riverland. The estate boasts an impressive 250 hectares of vineyards spread across two sites in Loxton and Lyrup. The region's abundant sunshine and unique terroir contribute to the exceptional quality of grapes produced here.
Winemaking Philosophy
At the core of Salena Estate's philosophy is a commitment to "minimal intervention" winemaking. This approach, combined with their organic practices, ensures that their wines reach consumers in the most natural state possible. Since converting nearly half of their property to organic farming in 2009, Salena Estate has been producing grapes without synthetic inputs, artificial chemicals, pesticides, or GMOs.
Wine Portfolio
Salena Estate offers a diverse range of wines to suit various palates and occasions:
Twisted Sticks: An organic range blending tradition with new world styles
ex-PRESS-ion: Hand-selected wines showcasing the best of each variety and region
Nature's Source: Whites and reds celebrating the Riverland's finest offerings
#genS: A fun and sophisticated collection for all wine lovers
Their portfolio includes crisp whites, refreshing rosés, sparkling wines, rich reds, and even tawny varieties. The winery's commitment to quality is evident in their impressive collection of over 1,500 trophies, gold and silver medals, and other accolades from around the globe.
Cellar Door Experience
Wine lovers can visit the Salena Estate cellar door seven days a week for tastings:
Monday to Friday: 10am - 4pm
Saturday: 11am - 4pm
Sunday: 11am - 3pm
Here, visitors can sample the best of what the Riverland has to offer, including their award-winning wines, spirits, and cello liqueurs inspired by the region.
Cucina 837 Restaurant
While currently closed, the on-site Italian restaurant, Cucina 837, typically offers a delightful culinary experience to complement the wines. When open, visitors can enjoy hand-made pasta and pizza prepared by head chef Vincenzo, featuring traditional recipes passed down through generations.
Winery Tours
For those seeking a deeper understanding of Salena Estate's winemaking process, guided tours of the winery are available. These tours provide insight into the estate's history and showcase some of the family's hidden gems around the property.
Events and Functions
Salena Estate welcomes group bookings for private tastings at their cellar door. For larger celebrations and weddings, the estate can accommodate up to 300 people, making it an ideal venue for special occasions.
Organic Commitment
As one of Australia's largest organic wine producers, Salena Estate crafts approximately 150,000 cases of organic wine annually. This dedication to organic practices not only benefits the environment but also results in wines of exceptional purity and character.
Salena Estate Wines offers a comprehensive wine experience that combines the best of South Australian viticulture with organic practices and Italian-inspired hospitality. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious novice, a visit to this Riverland gem promises to be both educational and enjoyable.
