Nepenthe: described by Homer in The Odyssey as an Egyptian herbal drink so powerful that it eases grief and banishes sorrow from the mind.

In 1994, the Tweddell family purchased a premium property in the sub-region of Lenswood in the Adelaide Hills. The property was carefully selected and planted to 24 hectares of vines with the intent of producing premium wine. Proven varieties such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc were planted, as well as interesting varieties such as Zinfandel and Pinot Gris. In 1996, Nepenthe received approval to build its winery, only the second in the Adelaide hills at the time (the first being Petaluma in 1978). Peter Leske (formerly with the Australian Wine Research Institute) was appointed Chief Winemaker.

In the backdrop of the cool heights of the Adelaide Hills, Nepenthe started producing some soul reposing potions of their own: uncompromising wines of outstanding quality and internationally recognised distinction. Wines that, strangely enough, have been impressing both critics and consumers with their varietal faithfulness and subtle Adelaide Hills nuances.

From the beginning, Nepenthe wines have received positive review from the press and numerous medals on the show circuit.

In the first few vintages, Nepenthe wines featured in James Halliday’s Top 100, The UK Times Top 100, The Advertiser Top 100, The International Wine Challenge as well as many other feature media articles.

Nepenthe also sources fruit from a variety of vineyards throughout the hills. Most fruit Nepenthe receives is managed by Nepenthe Viticulture, part of the Nepenthe Group. This company ensures that Nepenthe only receives the highest quality fruit, ensuring strict control of the grapes that make award winning wines.

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