Peter Schell and Magali Gely started Spinifex in 2001 and are part of the Artisans of Barossa, a group of like-minded producers with a common goal to protect and promote small-batch, sub-regional winemaking.
Having had a home in the Barossa Valley for over 20 years, their journey started with the opportunity to source some great old-vine Mataro growing in deep, white drift sand on the Barossa Valley's Western Ridge.
Today they source grapes from a group of dedicated growers in both the Barossa and Eden Valleys, taking advantage of the great diversity of the soils and meso-climates of the Barossa to create wines with balance, character, depth of flavour and generosity.
Peter and Magali's focus is on making regional wines from the traditional Mediterranean varieties that have grown successfully in Australia for over 150 years: Shiraz, Mataro, Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan, Ugni Blanc, Grenache Gris, Marsanne and Semillon.
They have lived in the Barossa for over 20 years, but Peter and Magali also have a strong connection with France. Magali's family, who up until recently were vignerons with a long lineage in Lunel, still live in South West France. Peter has worked six out of the last 10 French vintages, in Provence, the Languedoc, Bordeaux and Burgundy. This time spent in the south of France has fuelled their interest in making unique, hand-crafted wines with personality.
