Grounded Cru Wine – a five-star Halliday winery – has opened a new cellar door on Ingoldby Road in McLaren Flat.
Founders Geoff Thompson and Matt Jackman are known for crafting small-batch wines from McLaren Vale.
Grounded Cru had its first release in 2017 and has grown steadily since, first earning Halliday five-star winery rating in 2022.
“The plan all along was to have a cellar door,” Matt says.
“We were ready to seriously explore the idea in 2020 when of course, Covid hit.
“Our interest cooled somewhat and we were apprehensive to commit to such a space while restrictions were on and off.
“At this time – and not much has changed – the stock levels of real estate in the area were slim.
“It wasn’t until more recently that the property where we’ve been based in McLaren Flat with an office and warehouse, became available to purchase – we jumped at it.
“Ticking so many boxes (including the ability to hang onto the old vine Ingoldby vineyard fruit we take for our reserve wines), the opportunity to renovate and develop a site with such history was very appealing.”
The cellar door is the newest of many functions of the wine business.
“Being a relatively young brand and wanting to promote and put your best foot forward at all times, it’s a very important step for us,” Matt says.
“It to a large extent is the face of a brand where many people that have been unfamiliar with the wines and our brand see it for the first time.
“Because of this we want to create a warm, fun and hospitable place for wine consumers to enjoy – because first impressions can last.”
There are 15 wines to taste as well as a Grenache Gin.
Set among old vines in a beautiful corner of McLaren Flat, the cellar door offers curated wine flights and grazing platters.
There are several spaces to choose from including an alfresco area and sprawling lawns.
There is also a functon space.
Food trucks will make a regular appearance.
The cellar door is open Thursday to Monday from 11am to 4.30pm.
Matt Jackman. Photos: Adam Dormand – Avenue De Saxe.
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