The Bowen Estate Story

"Doug Bowen makes some of the most elegant wines in Australia." Tim Atkin (The Observer)
THE STORY
Owned and operated by Doug and Joy Bowen, Bowen Estate lies towards the southern end of the famous Coonawarra wine region. Winemaker-daughter Emma Bowen has now joined the winemaking team, having graduated from the Wagga Winemaking Course and gained experience with Simon Gilbert Wines and in France.
Established in 1972 on premium terra rossa soil, the first vintage from Bowen Estate was in 1975. The original vineyard of 12 hectares has now been expanded to 33 hectares following the purchase of two neighbouring properties. The plantings consist of mainly the red grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, with smaller plantings of Merlot, Petit Verdot and Viognier.
In the vineyard at Bowen Estate, all vines are individually pruned by hand to ensure each vine produces maximum quality. Hand pruning enables us to restrict the crop size which results in wines that are fuller in body and have greater depth of colour and longevity.
The wines from Bowen Estate show the hallmark of the winemaking and viticultural skills of Doug Bowen and have become, over the years, 'classic Coonawarra' benchmarks. Bowen Estate produces a selected range of table wine able to be drunk now, or given ideal cellaring conditions will mature beautifully.