2024 marks a significant milestone for Sidewood Estate, as the Adelaide Hills winery is celebrating two decades of winemaking excellence. Just last year, the family-owned winery made history by clinching a remarkable seven trophies at the Adelaide Hills Wine Show in 2023. It was an unprecedented victory, marking the first time a single producer triumphed across so many categories.
"It was absolutely incredible and I felt incredibly lucky to have my team and family there to celebrate such an astonishing achievement. That we were recognised with a record-setting seven trophies truly speaks volumes about our team's hard work and the quality of our wines," says Owen Inglis, who is Sidewood's owner and vigneron.
Sidewood took home: Best Sparkling Wine of the Show for the 2015 Isabella Rosé Sparkling, Best Rosé of the Show for the 2023 Sidewood The Mad Cat Rosé (a debut wine), and the 2021 Mappinga Chardonnay was awarded Best Chardonnay of the Show, Best Single Vineyard Wine, Best White Wine of Show, and the Best Wine of Show. Sidewood also won the award for best producer (>100 tonnes) for the second year running.
The Sidewood team consists of husband-and-wife duo, owners and vignerons Owen and Cassandra Inglis, general manager Nathaniel Last, winemaker Dylan Lee, and Darryl Catlin, consultant winemaker.
Owen and Cassandra founded Sidewood in 2004, after finding a gently sloping corner of the Adelaide Hills in the early '00s. They first started with sauvignon blanc and chardonnay vines at Mappinga estate, before expanding to their organically certified winery vineyard at Nairne and their Ironstone Rd Vineyard at Echunga. In 2022, they further expanded to include the Charlie's Patch Vineyard in Charleston – at 450 metres, it is the highest and coolest of the four vineyards. Together, they make up 262 acres of premium vineyards, with each possessing a unique character and terror, contributing to the diversity of Sidewood's wine offerings.
Reflecting on the historic win, Owen anticipates further successes. "As we look to 2024 and the years to come, we're poised for further growth. Our focus on cool-climate wines, especially elegant pinot noir, aromatic whites, and sparkling wines is more relevant than ever... We’re excited to release our 2022 vintages including the Mappinga Chardonnay, the Owen Chardonnay and our Estate Shiraz. We stand ready to adapt and thrive in this ever-evolving industry."
And for those after something a little different, perhaps with a touch of madness, Sidewood are excited to release the 2023 The Mad Cat Rosé. The wine is named after Dean Bowen's sculpture, which rests on the lawns at Sidewood. It is now available for purchase online, or at the cellar door for tasting.
Sidewood Estate wines to try
2015 Sidewood Isabella Rosé
This wine of extraordinary sophistication and poise is named after the owners’ and vignerons’ daughter, Isabella Rose. Displaying aromas of red berries with enticing delicate hints of pressed flowers, this wine exhibits flavours of wild strawberries, raspberries, cinnamon, citrus blossom and toasted brioche. The palate is delightfully balanced yet zesty with a crisp acidity and long, textural finish.Best enjoyed: Enjoy as part of a celebratory toast, or alongside duck terrine, chargrilled king prawns or even a cheese board to finish a great meal. Serve at 6–8 degrees.
H. What do you love about this wine?
OI. The Isabella Rosé is reminiscent of strawberry shortcake, with fine bubbles and a soft pink colouring, this wine truly does remind one of the girl from whom it received its namesake. It has an indulent palate crafted from pinot and chardonnay. Aged for six years on lees, the wine marries sophistication and balance in both flavour and feel. I personally love the honey notes on the nose followed by strawberry cheesecake. With dosage of 9g/l this wine still finishes dry with a lifted acidity.
RRP $45 | Drink now+ | Shop this wine
2023 Sidewood The Mad Cat Rosé
Beneath its beguiling salmon pink colour is a rose with a personality to match its name. A mouth-filling, textured and flavour packed wine showcasing freshly picked strawberries and followed by notes of Pink Lady apple, raspberry and vanilla bean. Although full of juicy fruit flavour, the wine stays crisp and refreshing on the palate, balancing bright acidity and soft texture, resulting in a vivid, lingering mineral finish.Best enjoyed: Pair with seafood paella, mixed tapas or a fresh chilli and mango salad. Serve chilled at 9–11 degrees.
H. What do you love about this wine?
OI. Inspired by Dean Bowen’s sculpture, The Mad Cat Rosé offers a whimsical journey down the rabbit hole of wine. The ethos behind this wine was to explore the intersection between mischief and tradition, culminating in the creation of this easy-drinking wine that continues to surprise and enchant with its florals and bright fruit of blackberry, raspberry, and strawberry.
RRP $25 | Drink to 2028 | Shop this wine
2021 Sidewood Mappinga Chardonnay
This generously complex wine showcases white peach, pink grapefruit, Meyer lemon aromas leading to delightful flavours of grilled almonds, lychee and finger lime, all punctuated by a slaty, mineral-driven acidity. The wine is tight and racy with fine Oak tannins to support this powerfully structured chardonnay. A wine which will reward careful cellaring.Best enjoyed: Match with seared tuna steaks, lemon myrtle roasted chicken or seafood risotto. Serve chilled at 10–13 degrees.
H. What do you love about this wine?
OI. With superbly structured characters, this wine is absolutely moreish and will have you coming back time and again for just one more glass. Long creamy finish married with burst of grapefruit, finger lime and lemon meringue.
RRP $45 | Drink to 2034 | Shop this wine
2021 Sidewood Owen Chardonnay
Aromas of oyster shell, dried lemon peel and a hint of gun smoke leap from the glass, proclaiming the beautiful acid line on the palate that is to come. The crisp linear minerality defining the concentrated citrus, flint and wet pebbles, brightly awakens the palate before showing off its balance and ultimate finesse.Best enjoyed: Serve with fresh oysters, sashimi, whole-cooked barramundi or slow-cooked roast pork. Serve at 10–13 degrees.
H. What do you love about this wine?
OI. Amongst all wines, chardonnay is my first love. In bearing my name, it had to be exceptional; more than that, it had to be a wine I consistently crave. The Owen chardonnay has exceeded all expectations, with a juxtaposition of boldness and elegance that has me reaching for it time and again. When I say this, I mean there's a huge presence this wine brings with its full body and clean, mouth-watering acid line. The more you surrender to its presence, the more complex layers reveal themselves, creating a full palate experience.
RRP $60 | Drink to 2034 | Shop this wine
2021 Sidewood Shiraz
Aromas of dark plum, blackcurrant, bitter chocolate and a touch of allspice lead to a generous fruit-driven palate with hints of white pepper, violets and seasoned leather. Rich, silky tannins linger on with seamless persistence.Best enjoyed: Versatile with its pairing options – from filet mignon, truffle and porcini pasta to more casual woodoven pizzas. Serve at 15–18 degrees.
H. What do you love about this wine?
SI. A complex and balanced wine showcasing an array or red, black and blue fruits, Christmas and baking spices, dark chocolate and leather with a smooth, structured, present but approachable finish.
RRP $26 | Drink to 2039 | Shop this wine
For more information or to shop these wines visit sidewood.com.au.
