We love Gamay for its opulent fruit generosity with modest levels of alcohol, a true fruit-driven style, minimal oak influence and enough richness to be fulfilling but not overwhelming.

We have always enjoyed drinking lighter to medium bodied wines regardless of the variety or origin, that are fruit-driven, juicy and pair beautifully with tapas, charcuterie alfresco-style.

THE WINE

Hand harvested, open fermented 25% whole bunch – plunged twice daily for 7 days and pressed directly to a single seasoned French oak demi muid. As with all our wines, no added acid, tannins or enzymes. Minimal sulphur before bottling.

13.1% Alcohol. Only 864 bottles made.

Rich dark Morello cherry, tantalising aromatics of violets and black currants.

An underlying minerality laced with earthy spices, cinnamon and cherry all the way on the palate. Drink now to 2030.

THE VINEYARD

We are incredibly fortunate in 2025 to be able to source fruit from Woodside, Mark Vella’s Barristers Block. Mark was the man responsible for the first plantings of Gamay in the Adelaide Hills 15 years ago. We couldn’t be in safer hands.

THE LABEL

Earnest is a natural continuation of our passion not only for climate appropriate grape varieties but also for individual sites and vineyards.

We have made a series of handmade – single barrels from single vineyards for a single vintage only, and as the name on our label suggests we are deadly Earnest in continuing our somewhat daunting, albeit thrilling journey into the several thousand lesser-known grape varieties with you champs without whom this adventure would not be possible.