Simon Tolley
THE REAL DEAL
As a viticulturist, Simon is on a mission to express the best of the Adelaide Hills.
After several years in the army, he veered into viticulture, studying agricultural science and working as a viticulturist and vineyard manager. In 2008, he established Tolley Viticulture, providing services to vineyards throughout the Adelaide Hills.
Small wonder
Simon’s inspiration comes from the land – from the rolling hills, cool climate and fertile soils of South Australia’s leafy Adelaide Hills wine region. He also draws on the knowledge and passion of the four generations of winemakers and growers that came before him, including his father, Andrew.
“He’s part of the reason I started the wine brand, because he had the time to give me to help with wine, and I wanted to learn from him,” says Simon.
Under his acclaimed label, Simon Tolley Wines, Simon produces authentic expressions of the region’s signature varieties, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz. His focus is on crafting small batches of high-quality wines, and striving to improve each year.
Not content simply growing the grapes, vigneron Simon Tolley also handcrafts premium wines, allowing him to showcase his work in the vineyard. This is authentic winemaking from start to finish.
“Because I’m a viticulturist, I really wanted to express my expertise in a bottle rather than just providing the fruit at the winery,” says Simon.
“Wine is a matrix of everything coming together from the season and also from the winemaking team. It’s everyone’s effort throughout the whole year.”
Having lived in the Adelaide Hills for two decades and raised his family here, Simon feels a strong connection to the environment and local community.
“Our surroundings are rolling, fertile hills and rocky outcrops, and it’s ever changing through the seasons,” he says. “We have beautiful springs where everything’s coming alive and bursting out. And then the summer and fruit ripening, into the senescence of the leaves changing colour and falling to the ground and then the opening rains.”
Throughout the year, when it’s time for Simon’s wines to be delivered, you might spot his restored 1965 Morris mini van, resplendent in cream and red, cruising the curves of the hills.
“It’s a small car taking on a big mountain and bigger cars,” says Simon. “And I guess that’s like my small wine brand.”
“Wine is a matrix of everything coming together from the season and also from the winemaking team. It’s everyone’s effort throughout the whole year.” – Simon Tolley
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