Bondar
Bondar Wines, a dynamic and innovative winery founded in 2013 by husband-and-wife team Andre Bondar and Selina Kelly, is renowned for producing elegant and expressive wines that reflect the unique terroirs of McLaren Vale, Australia.
History of Bondar Estate
Bondar Wines was established in 2013 when Andre Bondar and Selina Kelly acquired the Rayner Vineyard in McLaren Vale. Their vision was to create wines that combine the rich, robust fruit of McLaren Vale with the finesse and elegance they admired in cool-climate wines from regions like the Northern Rhône and the Adelaide Hills. Andre, with a background in winemaking and a deep passion for viticulture, and Selina, who brought her experience in the wine industry, formed a perfect partnership dedicated to producing high-quality wines.
The Rayner Vineyard, with its old, dry-grown Grenache and Shiraz vines, provided the ideal foundation for their winemaking journey.
The estate's bush vines, some up to 70 years old, and the introduction of other varieties like Mourvèdre, Carignan, Touriga, Counoise, Cinsault, and Sagrantino, reflect their commitment to exploring the full potential of McLaren Vale's diverse terroir.
Region and Vineyards
McLaren Vale, situated in South Australia, is celebrated for its Mediterranean climate and diverse soils, making it one of Australia's premier wine regions. The Rayner Vineyard spans around 20 hectares, with about three-quarters planted to vine. The vineyard is strategically located on the border of the Blewitt Springs and Seaview sub-regions, each contributing unique characteristics to the wines.
Blewitt Springs is known for its deep sandy soils that help retain moisture, producing wines with elegant structure and fine tannins. In contrast, Seaview offers higher elevation and cooler temperatures, adding balance and complexity to the wines. The combination of these sub-regions allows Bondar to craft wines with remarkable depth, character, and finesse.
Wine Range
Bondar Wines produces a diverse range of wines that showcase the best of McLaren Vale's terroir. Their portfolio includes:
- Rayner Vineyard Shiraz: Known for its rich, robust flavors and elegant structure, this Shiraz is a true reflection of McLaren Vale's terroir.
- Violet Hour Shiraz: A refined and complex Shiraz that captures the unique qualities of the Rayner Vineyard.
- Junto GSM: An innovative blend of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mataro, offering a fresh and vibrant expression of these Mediterranean varieties.
- Rayner Vineyard Grenache: Celebrated for its purity and aromatic intensity, this Grenache showcases the old vines' depth and complexity.
Each wine in their range is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, emphasizing minimal intervention and sustainable practices to preserve the natural expression of the vineyard.
Did You Know?
The name "Bondar" is inspired by Andre Bondar's family heritage. It reflects the founders' dedication to their roots and their passion for creating wines that honor the traditions and terroir of McLaren Vale.
