Our Story
Phil took over Boongarrie Estate in Eden Valley in 2002 and began restoring the young vineyard. Sarah joined him in 2003, and in 2006 they purchased the neighbouring olive grove planted two years earlier. Since then, we've produced small-batch wines from our estate vines and olive oils from the grove, all with care and minimal intervention.
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Our Story
A story of the seasons, soil and the fruit
Boongarrie Estate's shallow, mineral-rich soils and elevated site in Eden Valley have shaped our approach from the beginning. Phil took on the property in 2002 and began restoring the young, struggling vineyard planted four years earlier. Sarah joined him in 2003, and in 2006 they acquired the neighbouring olive grove. Over two decades of careful management, they've brought the original Shiraz and Cabernet blocks into strong production, while replanting part of the vineyard with Riesling, Grenache, and Gamay. The estate remains their home and the heart of our small-batch wines and olive oils.
Sarah Joins the Estate
After a career with the Australian Ballet that kept her in cities worldwide, Sarah joined Phil at Boongarrie Estate in 2003. The property has since been home to them, their children Lewis and Olive, and their animals—including a greyhound, Australian White sheep, and two alpacas. Living among the vines and olives ensures every decision reflects the site's unique conditions.
Phil's Background
Phil grew up in a Barossa winemaking family, with parents Margaret and Peter Lehmann providing ongoing guidance. After training as an engineer and working in Napa Valley, Burgundy, and Stellenbosch—as well as established Barossa wineries—he completed a graduate diploma in oenology at Adelaide University.
He sees himself first as a farmer: 'Each season leaves its mark on the grapes. Our role in the vineyard and cellar is to respect that and produce wines that honestly reflect the year and the site.'
He sees himself first as a farmer: 'Each season leaves its mark on the grapes. Our role in the vineyard and cellar is to respect that and produce wines that honestly reflect the year and the site.'
The Estate
Boongarrie Estate sits on the northern slopes of Keynes Hill in Eden Valley, at 430–460 metres elevation. The original 10 hectares of vineyard were planted in 1998 to Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. After taking over in 2002, Phil and Sarah restored these young vines and, in 2021, replanted part of the property with Riesling, Grenache, and Gamay. The estate also includes a 4-hectare olive grove, planted to Manzanilla, Pendolino, and Kalamata varieties.
Life on the Estate
We live and work on Boongarrie Estate, managing the vineyard and olive grove alongside grazing land for our Australian White sheep and two alpacas. The wine shed is located among the vines and trees, keeping production close to the source.
Our approach is to farm responsibly and leave the land in better condition than we found it.
Away from the vines, family time is important—Phil, Sarah, Lewis, and Olive often ride mountain and dirt bikes on the property, with the family greyhound Jinx joining in. The winery name Max & Me honours 'Max' the German Shepherd cross who first brought Phil and Sarah together.
Our approach is to farm responsibly and leave the land in better condition than we found it.
Away from the vines, family time is important—Phil, Sarah, Lewis, and Olive often ride mountain and dirt bikes on the property, with the family greyhound Jinx joining in. The winery name Max & Me honours 'Max' the German Shepherd cross who first brought Phil and Sarah together.
Private Tastings at the Estate
We welcome visits from genuine wine enthusiasts interested in our small-batch wines and olive oils. Tastings with Phil and Sarah are hosted by prior appointment only, with at least one week's notice required. This allows us to give you our full attention and share the story of the estate properly. Please email [email protected] to arrange a suitable time.