The Pondalowie story began in 1996 when Dominic and Krystina met while working vintage in the Barossa Valley. During their end of vintage camping trip to the beautiful Pondalowie Bay, on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula, the pair made the decision to funnel their enthusiasm and experience into a vineyard and winery of their own. They chose the Bendigo region in Central Victoria and with family help set about establishing 25 acres of vineyards planted to Shiraz, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Viognier. They named their winery Pondalowie after that special place where they made the decision to turn their shared dream into reality.
The first Pondalowie wines released in 2002 were met with critical acclaim, as have the vintages that followed. Awarded a five star rating by James Halliday consecutively every year from 2006 to 2016, Pondalowie wines are widely regarded as some of Australia’s’ finest red wines.
In 2016 Dominic & Krystina relocated their winery and cellar door to Bambra, nestled in the beautiful Otway ranges in Southern Victoria and established a second vineyard, fulfilling another lifelong dream; to grow and produce cool-climate Pinot Noir. The new Pinot Noir vineyard will soon offer another dimension to the range of wines they produce, and will continue to produce, from their Bendigo vineyards and the Heathcote grape growers they work with.
The 100-acre Bambra property also allows their family to explore their lifelong interest in holistic farming, growing and raising livestock in a free-range and ethical way. Their flock of Australian White sheep are enjoying the plentiful grass, not to mention the beautiful views.
The cellar door at Bambra opens daily over Summer and some long weekends throughout the year. Best to contact the winery to confirm opening hours.