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

Barristers Block team trials a very different BB

Adelaide Hills wine producer Barristers Block is expanding its portfolio by purchasing Boston Bay Wines in Port Lincoln to build on a successful wine tourism model.

Barristers Block founder and owner Jan Allen said that wine tourism is at the heart and soul of the family operation and the acquisition provides an opportunity to replicate an integrated tourism experience, providing the same quality offering, both in wine and location.

“Making high quality wine is entrenched in our DNA and creating a welcoming space to enjoy this wine in a beautiful environment is at the heart of our experience at Barristers Block," Allen said. 

"The Boston Bay acquisition means that we can bring the hospitality of the Adelaide Hills to Port Lincoln, providing a similar experience to another unique setting and established wine brand.”

Port Lincoln is 650km west of Adelaide by road and is known for its quality seafood. 

Lachlan Allen, Jan's son, said the location at Boston Bay was too good to pass up.

“Sitting right on the coast, it’s probably one of the closest vineyards to the sea in the world." he said. 

"We believe that we will be able to provide not only beautiful quality wines and locally sourced produce, but build all the other tourism trimmings to make it a multi-layered offering that will be sought after by locals and tourists alike.

“Our model in the Adelaide Hills is direct to the consumer, meaning we have a really good understanding of who our customer is and what they want - which is brilliant, drinkable wine consumed in a phenomenal location with quality food pairings.

"For us, this is the winning formula and Boston Bay has the perfect bones for us to replicate our customer centric model.”

James Allen, who operates Barristers Block with mother Jan and brother Lachlan, says the Port Lincoln region is currently undervalued, but on the cusp of an upward swing.

“This was a strategic investment for us," he said. "We wanted to secure a site outside the Adelaide Hills that is primed for growth and not saturated. We were looking for opportunities and during intrastate travel over lockdown our mum stumbled across this hidden family-owned gem.

“There is a strong tourism tailwind on regional South Australia, particularly the Eyre Peninsula and this acquisition allows us to be part of that growth trajectory.

The family says Boston Bay is synonymous with the Eyre Peninsula and the Port Lincoln community and the name will not change.

Short term activities will include a cellar door renovation, brand refresh and plans to immediately elevate the current food offering.