Kies Family Wines
Barossa Valley , South Australia
Winery Overview
Kies Family Wines is one of the last truly family run and owned wineries in the Barossa Valley.
The vineyard (55 hectares) is run by Viticulturist, Michael Kies (5th Generation of the Kies Family). The family’s connection to the land runs deep. The Kies family has been growing grapes in the Barossa Valley for seven generations. Some of the vines are more than 80 years old and Michael has lovingly cared for his vines since he was a child.
Winemaking is a science of passion for Bronson Kies (6th Generation). After completing a winemaking degree, he embarked on his first vintage at Rockford Wines in 2018 and then Jim Barry in 2019. Now, Bronson is in charge of his family’s namesake. “We did 76 tonnes in 2021. We have the capacity here to do 500,” Bronson says.
The cellar door at Kies Family Wines is often staffed by family members, and since Tina and Michael Kies opened its doors to the public in 1985, the renovated 1880’s cottage and former chaff mill has become a thriving home to many a visitor to the southern Barossa. While Jesseca Kies (6th Generation) looks after digital marketing for the brand.
Kies Family Wines has been exporting since the late 1990’s in small capacities but with the addition of the brand new, state-of-the-art winemaking facility, they are looking to fulfil their capacity to expand into new markets internationally.
Winemaker Bio
THE WINEMAKER
After completing a winemaking degree, Bronson Kies embarked on his first vintage at Rockford Wines in 2018 and then Jim Barry in 2019. Now, Bronson is in charge of his family’s namesake. “We did 76 tonnes in 2021. We have the capacity here to do 500,” Bronson says.
THE WINERY
The winery, built in 2019, is run on renewable energy from solar panels and batteries. A solar-powered system is linked to batteries to supply ample power for the winery and barrel hall, and their reliance on mains water is low thanks to a 200,000L water tank, collection of storm water and an on-site waste-water treatment facility. Bronson is fastidious about keeping the winery immaculate.
THE WINES
Having grown up amongst the old vines of the Kies Estate, Bronson is fastidious about expressing the character of fruit through taking precise care of the wine from vine to bottle. His wines are trademarked by their vibrant purple hue, due to his attention to detail in minimising oxidation at every stage of winemaking which allows maximum expression of true varietal character.
