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Take Part in Something Different at Bleasdale

Dynamic new winemaking team as Bleasdale welcomes Nicole Brasier to the role of Senior Winemaker

This week, Bleasdale has welcomed 2024 Len Evans Tutorial Scholar, Nicole Brasier, to head up their winemaking team.

Graduating in 2016 with a Bachelor of Oenology and Viticulture from Adelaide University Nicole has steadily expanded her passion for wine across all varieties after being involved with some of Australia’s best wineries throughout many different regions. This has led to a keen interest in single site Chardonnay and Shiraz that Nicole brings to Bleasdale along with her ability to craft wines showcasing the best expression of each region and vineyard they were grown in.

“Nicole brings to Bleasdale Vineyards a wealth of wine knowledge and deep understanding of wine quality; I’ve had recent experience of this with Nicole being a 2024 Len Evans Tutorial Scholar. Her time spent in the Hunter Valley, McLaren Vale and working with Adelaide Hills fruit is a perfect fit for Bleasdale. I’m sure Nicole will bring out the best in Langhorne Creek grapes from the old vine varieties available to her,’ Iain Riggs AM, Bleasdale Chair.

“Nicole has revealed some solid experience through her career to date. She has been an active judge on the show circuit and recently completed the Len Evans Tutorial. We are really looking forward to Nicole joining the Bleasdale team. She will have a couple of months to get settled before the ’25 vintage’ fruit starts to roll in.”Leigh Warren, General Manager Bleasdale Vineyards.

Nicole's passion in the industry is not only limited to the production of wine. Nicole has been actively participating as a judge for regional and national wine shows for the past ten years. Sustainability in the wine industry is also one of Nicole’s passions. She will be working closely with Bleasdale’s Viticulturist and Grower Liaison Officer, Sarah Keough, a Nuffield Australia 2020 Scholarship winner,who is actively involved in the EcoVineyards projects, bringing biodiversity and sustainability to our Vineyards.

“I have a passion for driving continuous improvements towards sustainability in the wine industry. I am a Freshcare trainer and have experience managing Sustainable Wine Growers Australia Code of Practices for wineries, vineyards and wine businesses” says Nicole.

Nicole will join Sam Rowlands in the winery whose passion and talent has seen him rapidly move up the ranks to become Bleasdale’s Winemaker. Sam was fortunate enough to be mentored and supported by the previous winemaking team of Paul Hotker and Matt Laube, gaining invaluable insight into honing his winemaking skills and what it is that makes Langhorne Creek so special.

Sam Rowlands has been working as a Winemaker at Bleasdale Vineyards since early 2023, starting off in a vintage role then transitioning to Winemaker over the past 2 years. He completed his tertiary qualification in Viticulture and Oenology in 2022 with Honours in Wine Science. Sam received an academic achievement award in his final year, along with a scholarship from the University’s Science Department for his Honours project.

Sam’s professional experience started with a four-year stint working for Longview Vineyard in the Adelaide Hills, this role was predominantly in the vineyard developing a passion for all things viticulture. Whilst working in the vineyard, Sam spent his evenings working in wine retail at East End Cellars, broadening his scope and knowledge of both local and international wines.

In 2022 Sam worked as Vintage Winemaker at Pernod Ricard in the Barossa, once his study was complete, he then joined the Bleasdale team. In 2023 Sam took a brief hiatus from Bleasdale to complete a vintage in Barbaresco, located within the Piedmont region of Northern Italy.

“I love working at Bleasdale and hope to utilise my varied experience in the wine industry to help continue to produce outstanding and characterful wines.”

Nicole joins a strong team of female leads at Bleasdale with women represented on the Board, in accounts, marketing, warehousing, vineyards, bottling and the winery.

Bleasdale has long been in the hands of winemaking and viticultural excellence. The new team that has been assembled ensures that legacy will continue.

Bleasdale Vineyards in Langhorne Creek was founded by Frank Potts in 1850 and will celebrate their 175thanniversary in April 2025. 

Bleasdale Vineyards has returned as an Official Partner of the Melbourne Football Club

MELBOURNE Football Club are proud to welcome back the acclaimed winemaker, Bleasdale Vineyards, as a club partner.

The South Australian company has an established relationship with the Demons and are set to return as the official Wine Partner of the club.

The family-owned winery, which produces out of Langhorne Creek, is celebrating 175 years in 2025.

Bleasdale General Manager Leigh Warren said that he was delighted to for the two organisations to align, given their shared values.

“We’re excited to be back as the Melbourne Football Club’s wine partner and are looking forward to continuing to build our relationship with the mighty Demons,” he said.

“We are also excited to share our wines with the Club’s member base; we anticipate that 2025 will be a very successful vintage!”

Chris Kearon, Melbourne’s Chief Commercial Officer, was thrilled to welcome back the historic winemakers.

“Bleasdale has a long and respected history as a premium brand, and we thank them for their continued friendship over the last few years,” he said.

“We are looking forward to working with everyone at Bleasdale for the next two years, and into the future.”

Bleasdale was awarded ‘Winery of the Year’ in the 2024 Halliday Australian Wine Companion.

Press Club Members 175th History Celebration Lunch - Saturday February 15th

Our nextPress Club member-only eventwill run on-site onSaturday February 15th.The team from Bleasdale will host you at the winery - but not as you are used to it!

You'll be invitedbehind the scenes to the historical part of the winery that is usually not accessible to general visitors.

The day will be your chance to immerse yourself in the history of Bleasdale with athree course lunch, carefully matched wines by our winemaking team, showcasing the Carignan as a chilled wine in the hotter months and the Petit Verdot.

Canapéswill be served on arrival before moving intoDiddy's Landingto start your tour from a Potts family member and then to guided winetasting hosted by Nicole and Sam- in the heart of the winery where you will be surrounded by the original wine making facilities, those from the 1950s and then the current day.

Format:

·        Pre-lunch welcome drinks will be held on the private grass area, with direct access to Diddy's Landing and the old still room.

·        Here the group will be split into three as we rotate you all through the extended and in-depth historical winery tours your hosted tasting on the old Vat landing, or continue enjoying your drinks and canapés until it's your turn to take the tour or tasting.

·        A three course lunch by local legend, Kate Ness, will be served on Diddy’s Landing, overlooking the old Red Gum Press, Wolf Blass's personal solera system and the old Boiler Room.

Details on booking are coming soon! We'll be sure to send an email closer to the date so you don't miss out.

From one legend of wine to another - Robert Edwards, Bleasdale Vineyard’s Chairman of the Board retires, handing the reigns to Iain Riggs AM

Bleasdale Vineyards in Langhorne Creek was founded by Frank Potts in 1850 and will celebrate their 175thanniversary in April 2025.

It is by no accident that Bleasdale is continually recognised as one of the best wineries in Australia, being awarded the coveted ‘Winery of the Year’ by the Halliday Wine Companion in 2024. It is because of the people that work behind the scenes and those that have provided their wisdom and support in the various roles over the years.

Frank Potts liked building things – boats, a home, a workshop, a winery, water pumps, floodgates, vats, a red gum lever press and a dynasty. When he added more land to his original holding, the vineyard area expanded and so the winery, and the family, grew. In his later years, Frank handed over the daily workings of the vineyards and winery to three of his sons who, over a 40-year period, transformed the estate into a significant part of the flourishing wine industry in South Australia. The basis for a strong viable family estate was established.

In 1935, third generation A.B. Potts took over the winery and the original section after the death of his mother Alice, who ran the winery for 17 years. In 1948, the privately owned property became a Company, Bleasdale Vineyards Pty Ltd, solely run by the Potts family.

In 2013, new shareholders invested in Bleasdale, helping to ensure the family-owned winery has a long and prosperous future. This very move proved to be a smart one and set Bleasdale up for many years of stability under the leadership of a strong Board, continually consisting of wine industry stalwarts as well as Potts family members and company shareholders.

One such person is Robert Edwards, who served as Bleasdale’s Chairman of the Board from 2014 retiring formally on Friday 22ndNovember, 2024.

Prior to being the guiding hand of the Bleasdale Board for the past decade, Robert was the Sales and Marketing Director of Peter Lehmann wines in the Barossa for 12 years. Without question, Robert led Peter Lehmann’s to become one of the South Australian Wine Industry’s most recognised Barossan brands. Robert retired from Peter Lehmann’s in 2008. After 7 years, Robert never fully stepped away from the wine industry, providing assistance to several wineries before being approached by the Bleasdale board to join them as Chairman. After originally refusing, Robert agreed to come down and “check out the wines to see if they were ok.”They were more than just OK and Robert agreed to the role.

“Today Bleasdale are making some of the most exciting wines and it has been wonderful to be involved in their journey,’Robert Ewards.

A wine industry veteran, Iain Riggs AM has helped drive Australian wine forward and set it up for a bright future. Over almost 40 years, Iain led the rise of Brokenwood winery, helping it become the icon of the Hunter Valley wine region that it is today. For the past 6 months Iain has been an advisor to the Bleasdale Board in preparation for this handover.

“Few people have given more to the Australian wine community than Iain Riggs. Over almost five decades, he’s helped boost our global reputation, redefined Hunter Valley wine, and inspired a new generation.” Quote curtesy ofhttps://www.australianwine.com/

For those that don’t know, Iain is no stranger to Bleasdale and to Langhorne Creek, beginning his career as Bleasdale’s winemaker back in 1973 before moving on to McLaren Vale and then ultimately the Hunter Valley to become Brokenwood’s General Manager and Chief Winemaker. Over the decades Iain stayed in close contact with the Potts family and Bleasdale. When the time came to start preparing for Roberts’ retirement they reached out to Iain to see if he’d be interested in taking over the Chair position and in doing so creating a full-circle in his winemaking career.

“Life in full circle, I started at Bleasdale in 1973, full time after completing my degree at Roseworthy Agricultural College at the end of ‘75. Off to McLaren Vale in the mid 1980s, then the Hunter Valley at the end of ‘82. I am very humble but excited to join the Bleasdale Board and take on the role of Chair and working with a great team led by Leigh Warren. Big shoes to fill. Thankyou Robert for your stewardship over the last 10yrs. Enjoy your fishing.” Iain Riggs AM

“Iain has gone on to do some amazing things in the wine industry as many would be aware and we are so very fortunate to have him at the helm of our board. Congratulations on your retirement Robert and thank you so much from all of us here at Bleasdale for your support, mentoring and guidance over the years.”Leigh Warren, Bleasdale General Manager.

Christmas Stock Up WAREHOUSE SALE! Saturday 9 November

Thank you to everyone that supported us. Just a note that if you ordered our Sparkling Shiraz cleanskins that they wont be ready for collection until after WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 21.


GET READY! The Bleasdale Warehouse Sale is back - just in time for Christmas!

Join us in person or online on SATURDAY 9 NOVEMBER.

Red Wines! White Wines! Sparkling Wines! Cleanskins! Export Labels! Mystery Dozens!

Great Prices on Great Wines!

IN PERSON - When: Saturday 9 November 9am - 2pmWhere: Bleasdale Warehouse Carpark,1640 Langhorne Creek Road, Langhorne CreekNOTE: Not the Cellar Door

OR ONLINE - Saturday 9 November from 2pm (ACST) until Midnight Monday 11 Novemberwww.bleasdale.com.auA special 'Warehouse Sale' page under our 'Shop' menu tab will be made live on the day so you can access the sale products. 

 Stock is sold on a first in, first served basis so be early to avoid disappointment. No stock will be sold prior to the day.

Enquiries to cellardoor@bleasdale.com.auor PH: 8537 4000

THE FINE PRINT

Please note: cleanskin wines now have a small mandatory lab label featuring allergen information and Pregnancy Warning on each bottle.

Shipping times: Stock will be shipped from the winery with Australia Post on the Thursday following the conclusion of the sale and not before. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee delivery by any specific date.

Pick up from winery: If you elect to pick up from the winery as your delivery method, stock will be available to collect from 3pm Wednesday 13th November and not before. Please bring your receipt with you for collection.

Sale end time:This sale will finish strictly at 11:59pm ACDT Monday 11 November, 2024.

Christmas Stock up Warehouse Sale

INVENIAM VIAM Member's Dinner - The Lion Hotel 9th August 2024

Join theBleasdale team, as we celebrate the launch of our super premium Cabernet Malbec ~INVENIAM VIAM.

This will be a very special evening hosted byMatt Laube, Senior Winemaker;Sam Rowlands, Winemaker; 5th Generation descendentRobert PottsandStella Hollis, yourPress Clubconcierge. Dine inThe Lion Hotel'scharacter ladenunderground Cellar, located within the original Lion Brewery inNorth Adelaide.

Enjoycanapés and sparklingon arrival before settling in for asumptuous 3-course mealdesigned by the chefs at The Lion Hotel, carefully matched with ouraward-winning wines.

~Winemaker Dinner Tickets $165pp ~

Members can purchase up to 4 tickets each, which includes a guided winetastingthrough9 ofBleasdale's most iconic winesand, of course, our super premium- INVENIAM VIAM 

We will haveexclusive pricingavailable on the night for our entire wine portfolio and one lucky person will walk away with their own gift-boxed bottle ofINVENIAM VIAM!

For more details contactStella at pressclub@bleasdale.au or 08 8537 4031.

Book your tickets to our Adelaide Press Club Dinner Here!

King Of Malbec Museum Wine Flight - Cellar Treasures Weekend

Discover why Bleasdale has been crowned ‘The King of Malbec’ by James Halliday.

We have delved into our cellars to bring you some very special vintages of our iconic Malbec wines, including our Single Vineyard trio and our multiple trophy winning 2022 ‘Generations Malbec’.

Learn what makes Malbec such a desirable variety and why Langhorne Creek is the ideal location for growing this majestic variety.

Wine flights are served with a small cheese plate.

Sessions available Friday 9th and Saturday 10th August 2024

King Of Malbec Museum Wine Flight - Cellar Treasures Weekend

Bleasdale Shortlisted for 'Best Value Winery of the Year' category for the 2025 Halliday Wine Companion!

The great news just keeps on coming - further cementing Bleasdale's position as one of Australia's best wineries!

Hot on the heels of our Trophy success at the National Wine Show last week we have now been announced as finalists in the 'Best Value Winery of the Year' category for the 2025 Halliday Wine Companion!

The competition is very strong as always, with some good friends also in the field. This isn't our first time in the running for this award, having also made the Halliday Top 10 Best Value Wineries list in BOTH the 2023 and 2021 Wine Companion.

We are the Halliday Winery of the Year!

We are thrilled to announced that at last night’s Halliday Awards we were named the 2024 Halliday Winery of the Year!

The good news doesn’t stop there though, with two of our wines being named as Varietal Winners! Our 2021 The Iron Duke Cabernet Sauvignon was once again named Cabernet Sauvignon of the Year, and our 2021 Wellington Road Shiraz Cabernet took out the Shiraz/Cabernet Blend of the Year title.

A Trophy and 3 Gold Medals - 2024 The National Wine Show of Australia

The National Wine Show is the most prestigious of the Award shows - With only the highest-awarded wines qualifying for entry. Only wines that have won gold or silver at one of 32 qualifying shows will be accepted for judging, making it the most competitive, higher-quality show there is.

Our Generations Malbec is a consistent high-achiever, regularly accruing a collection of trophies, gold medals, and high points scores and took out the Trophy for 'Best Red Varietal in Show'! Matt, Sam and Stella were all there with Sam heading up to the stage to accept this incredible award.

But that's not all... our 2021 Frank Potts Cabernet Blend and 2022 Bremerview Shiraz were BOTH awarded GOLD medals!

...and there's more glory with Bleasdale picking up 4 Silver Medals and 5 Bronze Medals!

What an incredible result yet again proving that we consistently produce only the highest quality wines.

Congratulations to the entire team at Bleasdale!

Best in Show Trophy - 2022 Generations Malbec

Every year in May, Langhorne Creek's wines are benchmarked and judged according to international standards at the Langhorne Creek Wine Show. The best of the best are awarded prized trophies across a range of wine styles and classes and this year we took out the Best in Show Trophy for the 2022 Generations Malbec! This is on the back of winning the Trophy for the Best Malbec in Show and the2022 Vintage Frank Potts Cabernet Blend winning the Trophy for Best Blended Red Wine.

The 2024 Multi-Color Corporation Langhorne Creek Wine Show was judged by Chair of Judges Sue Bell, with judges Dave Brookes and Riley Harrison, assisted by associate judges Sam Rowlands, Tyler Follett and Justin McAnaney.

Matt Laube and Langhorne Creek Wine Show Trophy

Canberra Press Club Members-Only Dinner with the Winemaking Team

Join our Winemaking Team for Dinner at D'Browes, Narrabundah

We are delighted to announce that our fabulous winemaking team will be in Canberra to host a Members-Only Dinner and they would love for you to join them!

Come along for a delicious 4-course meal curated by D'Browes head chef Damien, paired with some of our favourite Bleasdale wines.

Stella will also be there to meet you face to face and answer all your Press Club questions, especially the ones about Mardi's trip!

We are working on an extra special treat for you lovely Canberrans to end the night. Hold tight for a surprise on the night!

Wednesday the 29th of May 2024 D'Browes, 59 Boolimba Crescent, Narrabundah, ACT 2604 From 6:30PM - 10:30PM

~Winemaker Dinner Tickets $115pp ~

Members can purchase up to 4 tickets each, which includes 4 courses & a guided winetasting through 9 expertly paired glasses of Bleasdale's favourite wines. 

Email Stella at pressclub@bleasdale.com.auor call us on 08 8537 4031

Licence Number - 50800060 |We take the Responsible Service of Alcohol seriously.Liquor Licensing Act (SA) 1997. It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or to obtain liquor on behalf of, a person under the age of 18 years.

Bleasdale Vineyards Pty. Ltd. | Ph: 08 8537 4000 | 1640 Langhorne Creek Road, Langhorne Creek SA 5255