It started with a place.
Ottilie Wines began with a shared dream - one rooted in the land, the seasons, and a desire to make wine with meaning. What started as a small patch of vines in Finniss, South Australia, slowly grew into a quiet pursuit of something honest: wines that speak of place, seasons, and people.
The name Ottilie, chosen with heart, nods to our heritage and family. It’s a reminder that this is a part of who we are. Every bottle that leaves the shed is a continuation of that story, shaped by weather, soil, location... and a whole lot of early mornings.
A vineyard before a winery.
From the beginning, we were drawn to a way of farming that left things better than we found them. Our vineyard, tucked along the banks of the Finniss River, is a place of natural beauty - not just for grapes, but for life.
With each passing season, we work to build a more resilient, living system, embracing organic and regenerative practices like cover cropping and free-range grazing to foster biodiversity and healthy soils. No shortcuts, nothing artificial - just patience, curiosity, and a belief that the land knows best: when you listen and work with nature, the best results are achieved.
Knowing when to step back.
Making wine isn't about adding complexity. Often it's about preserving it.
We pick our fruit when it tastes ready, rather than simply reaching a number. Ferments are guided rather than forced. Oak supports rather than dominates. Every decision is made with one question in mind: "Does this help the vineyard speak more clearly?"
Sometimes the hardest part of winemaking is knowing when to step back. And we still argue about the pick date...
Life at the vineyard.
Ottilie remains a small operation by design. We still do most things by hand, from pruning, to picking, to making the wine. Every vintage is a reflection of our commitment to quality, sustainability, and care. We’re not trying to be the biggest, just one of the most thoughtful.
If you visit one day, you'll probably find muddy boots by the door, children somewhere in the vineyard, sheep beneath the vines, and a dog convinced she's helping. That's exactly how we hope it stays. Thank you for being part of our journey.
- Alan and Zoe
