Ottelia

Gourmet Traveller WINE Cellar Door with Best Food 2020 – Fodder.

It was only ever supposed to be temporary. Owners John and Melissa moved to the iconic Coonawarra region 30 years ago intending, in John’s words, “to stay a little while”.

They bought a parcel of land ringed by tall Red Gum Eucalypts, and with natural wetlands dotted with Ottelia Ovalifolia, a native waterlily. All these years later John and Melissa are still there.

Together they have spent nearly half a lifetime in the Limestone coast region, John working as a winemaker and consultant across its unique wine regions, and Melissa establishing a restaurant.

Their lasting connection to the region and infatuation for wine has produced Ottelia, drawn from the best vineyards of the Limestone Coast.

They’re now joined by the second generation, their eldest daughter Matilda and her partner, a chef, Paul.