Another Aussie wine business to shut up shop

Another Australian wine business is shutting up shop after a recent wave of closures and financial failures. 

Teakle Wines at Port Lincoln on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula will cease business at the end of next month. 

The business was founded by Peter Teakle, who died in 2024. His son Ben Teakle, made the closure announcement. 

“Over the past 10 years our amazing team has created something truly special -– serving incredible food and producing award-winning wine,” he said.  

“But now it’s time for this chapter to come to an end and we’re sad to share that our winery, cellar door and restaurant will close at the end of March.

 “Running a boutique vineyard and chef-hatted restaurant in a remote location takes an enormous commitment, especially when we’ve set ourselves such high standards. 

"Therefore, I’ve made the very hard decision to call time on Teakle Wines and Line & Label after a decade of achievement. 

“There’s nothing we would have done differently. I’m so proud of our team and the timing of this means we’re going out on a high. We recently won our seventh chef hat and it’s been a bumper summer. It’s just the right time.

“A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful staff, customers and suppliers for being a massive part of our success. People have always been at the heart of our story and we couldn’t have done it without you.”

The business will close on March 29 and vouchers and deposits will be refunded. 

A business closing with its head held high. 

Their way: Off-grid tiny home empire grows

 

Fancy a night or two in an off-grid getaway on the Eyre Peninsula? 

Family-run accommodation business Eyre Way has just announced the launch of Bandari, its third luxe off-grid tiny abode, which its says offers an eco-conscious retreat in South Australia. 

set on top of coastal cliffs in a private pocket of Sleaford Bay, Bandari is Eeyre Way's closest tiny home to the water and is surrounded by native vegetation. 

The blurb says it blends "minimalist luxury with sustainability". 

It follows previous tiny abodes Maldhi and Yambara. 

“Our goal has always been to create unique, secluded stays that allow guests to truly immerse themselves in the beauty of the Eyre Peninsula,” said Eyre Way co-founder Amanda Hogg. 

“With Bandari, we’re offering an unparalleled off-grid experience that combines eco-conscious design with breathtaking natural surroundings.”

Bandari is powered entirely by a solar-battery system, providing reverse-cycle air conditioning, instant gas hot water, and high-speed wifi. 

The accommodation is suitable for couples and features a well-appointed kitchen, a lounge that converts into a double bed, and premium bedding. 

Eyre Way collaborated with local architect Duncan Moore to design Bandari, with co-founder Tim Hogg managing much of the build himself alongside local tradespeople. 

“We’re incredibly proud to work with local talent and contribute to the region’s tourism economy,” said Tim Hogg. 

Bookings for Eyre Way's tiny homes start at $550 per night. Hmm. That's not cheap.  

For more info see www.eyreway.com.

Teakle family wine dream lives on

Regional wine pioneer Peter Teakle was a man with a vision.

And even though Teakle died last year his dream lives on. 

Founded by Peter Teakle in 2016, the business now known as Teakle Wines is based out of the wine mainstream at Port Lincoln on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula.

Teakle made his fortune printing wine labels, transforming his family's Adelaide business, Collotype Labels, into a global multi-million-dollar company.

He was so impressed with Port Lincoln after visiting that he decided it would be the perfect place for his impending semi-retirement. And a place that could become a tourism hotspot. 

The venue is now a regional landmark, offering much more than just wines.

"Peter’s commitment to transforming Port Lincoln and the Eyre Peninsula into a premier food and wine destination was evident in everything he did," his family said.

Peter’s philanthropy and unwavering support for the wider Port Lincoln community will be remembered and cherished. He leaves an indelible mark on our community, our region and our industry.

"Without doubt, Peter’s greatest strength was his ability to bring people together and he genuinely loved the personal and professional relationships he developed across his many endeavours.

Peter was the patriarch of our family and our business. We look forward to continuing his legacy for generations to come."

The business is being expanded by Teakle's family with expansive vineyards overlooking the fishing town, a tasting facility, winery tours, the Line & Label restaurant and some beautiful gardens that host picnics and gatherings.

“We are proud to carry forward my father’s vision”, says son Ben Teakle, now managing director, said at a recent re-launch of the brand. 

“While our wines will continue to evolve with the climate, our commitment to quality will never waver.”

The new Teakle Wines logo (above) draws inspiration from the barrel-shaped architecture of the cellar door. 

The wines are made by talented Liz Heidenreich, formerly of Wirra Wirra, Wolf Blass and Sevenhill, as well having her own Barossa -based wine brand.

 

I'm working my way through the current Teakle releases and have enjoyed the texturally interesting 2024 Riesling. 

See www.teaklewines.com

So you really want to get away from it all?

So you really want to get away from it all?

A South Australian eco-tourism company has launched its second off-grid tiny luxury cabin boasting great views.

The cabin, named Maldhi, is on the edge of a picturesque gully overlooking the coastal cliffs of Sleaford Bay, on the south coast of the Eyre Peninsula.

 
It features views across Sleaford Bay to white sandhills separating Port Lincoln National Park from the  southern ocean.

“It’s a truly magical and private location, surrounded by pristine native vegetation with panoramic views,” EYRE.WAY director Amanda Hogg said.

“Not only are kangaroos often spotted hopping across the landscape, in winter Southern Right whales who call the shallow waters home are just a stone's throw away, enjoying the pristine and relatively calm waters of Sleaford Bay.”

EYRE.WAY founders Amanda and Tim Hogg’s mission is to provide environmentally sustainable luxury and private accommodation at the Eyre Peninsula’s best - and most secret - locations, where visitors can be immersed in nature.

The launch of Maldhi, which means “night sky” in Barngarla, follows the success of Yambara, a tiny cabin built by Amanda and Tim and launched in November last year.

Located on a secluded stretch of coast near Port Lincoln, Yambara has been nearly sold out since it opened with a 95% occupancy rate.

“The success and love for Yambara has just blown us away,” Amanda said.

“We have had guests from all over Australia who want to escape their busy lives and just be completely immersed in nature come and stay, so we decided to build a second tiny cabin.”

Amanda said the concept of being offline was a real luxury as people could escape emails, phone calls, traffic, social media and people.

“Making a minimal contribution to climate change while enjoying a break is such a positive for our guests,” she said.

“It’s a special feeling knowing the sun is powering your accommodation, and we hope it inspires guests to live more sustainably when their holiday ends.”

Maldhi is completely off-the-grid, featuring a solar powered/battery system powered purely by the sun. Rainwater is captured in Port Lincoln and taken to the tiny cabin. Grey water is taken off site and removed sustainably.

“Our architect designed the tiny abode to make the most of nature's warming and cooling characteristics, and we used environmentally sustainable materials throughout the construction process,” Amanda added.

Two more cabins are in the pipeline.

Maldhi is available for $450 per night and sleeps four people. Book here: www.eyreway.com

Image: Amy Rowsell