PODCAST
S2- E05 | Through the Fire with Simon Tolley
Adelaide HillsOn a mission to express the best the Adelaide Hills has to offer, Simon Tolley was in the army, before trying his hand at viticulture and starting his own brand, ‘Simon Tolley Wines’. Taking inspiration from his father Andrew, Simon’s modus operandi is producing small matches of high-quality wines and striving to improve each season. Simon’s business was one of many to be burnt by the Cuddlee Creek bushfire. A blaze he fought himself with hose in hand, attempting to stop it destroying his property. Flames ripped through 25,000 hectares devastating the Adelaide Hills, with the effects still being felt today. Determined to find a silver-lining, Simon’s managed to use smoke-tainted fruit to create uniquely sellable products. He’s also raised a family in the Hills where he’s lived for decades and can often be spotted cruising the curves in his restored 1965 Morris mini-van.
Here’s Simon Tolley... 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. “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.” The Adelaide Hills is the ultimate place to grow grapes because of its’ diversity. Within the Onkaparinga Valley are multiple sites with different elevations, soil types, which all create unique microclimates that are tailor made for specific cool climate grape varieties. The valley is a massive tapestry of opportunities for multiple agricultural sectors, including the grape sector. I am a firm believer that great wine starts in the vineyard. When the site is right and the correct variety is chosen, all it needs is experienced management to get the quality fruit to the end of the season. The team and I take the upmost care for our vines and make sure they get everything they need during the growing season. Due to these beautiful grapes you will find that our wines all share a common denominator: they all have great length, they are well-balanced, and fruit driven. We are looking forward to hosting a tasting for you at our cellar door soon! Simon offers contract vineyard management services in South Australia. Discover more at Tolley Viticulture. |
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