Montara Wines has established itself over the past fifty years through thoughtful winemaking and meticulous vineyard practises. Owned by the Stapleton family since 2006, Montara Wines has evolved while under the guidance of managing director Billie Stapleton and general manager Nick Whitwell. Its wines have grown in international recognition through winemaker Simon Fennell’s focused attention, creating an exceptional range of multiaward-
winning cool climate wines, serving as benchmarks of the region.

With a total area of 20-hectares under vine, and plantings including shiraz, pinot noir, and riesling – all of which are more than fifty-year-old vines – as well as chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot, Montara Wines encapsulates the diversity and versatility of the entire Grampians region.

Honouring the tradition of Montara Wines’ heritage and the natural beauty of the Grampians region, winemaker Simon Fennell guides the winery into its rising position of contemporary significance, careful to approach both the vineyard and winemaking with a sustainable and adaptive, not reactive, attitude.

Appointed chief winemaker in 2016, Simon joined the Montara Wines team after almost twenty years in the wine and brewing industries. Born and bred in the Penola/Coonawarra region of South Australia, wine was the inevitable vocation of choice. After completing studies in horticulture, Simon cut his teeth in the vineyards and cellars of Coonawarra, honing his skills and understanding of the greater winemaking process.

Now at home in Victoria’s stunning Grampians, Simon brings dedication and gentle determination in a continued effort to honour the legacy of the Montara Wines vineyards and brand.. Over the past five years Simon has secured Montara Wines listing as a 5-star winery. His winemaking talents are responsible for the growing number of accolades, awards, and acknowledgments the Montara Wines range has been accredited with.

While preserving the history of Montara Wines, Simon’s approach to winemaking and his practises within the vineyard aim to guide the Montara Wines towards a sustainable future, securely placing the wines in a position of regional, domestic, and global significance for another fifty years.