A nod to the past, a toast to the future.
At Clarnette Wines, we honour traditional winemaking techniques to craft wines that reflect the beauty and character of the Grampians. We use open fermenters, minimal handling, and carefully selected high-quality oak to let the fruit shine. Each step is driven by a deep respect for the land and a passion for winemaking, resulting in vibrant, expressive wines.
Our Unique Winemaking Process
At Clarnette Wines, winemaking is a labour of love — a careful balance of tradition, craftsmanship and respect for the land. Every bottle we produce reflects our belief that great wine is made through patience, precision and a hands-on approach.
Our process is about more than technique — it’s about bringing the spirit of the Grampians to life in every glass.
01
Vineyard to Vision
It begins in the vineyard, where we work closely with growers to select exceptional fruit that captures the unique character of the Grampians. Low-intervention practices allow the grapes to develop naturally, full of vibrancy and expression.
02
The Art of Timing
Harvested at the perfect moment, the fruit is handpicked to preserve its delicate aromatics. In the winery, we honour traditional techniques — fermenting in open-top fermenters with minimal handling, and gently plunging by hand to build fine tannins and texture.
03
Guided by Intuition
Maturation in carefully selected high-quality oak brings balance and depth, enhancing the natural beauty of each wine without overpowering it. Every decision is guided by intuition, experience and a deep personal connection to the craft.
Wines that taste great,
tell a great story.
For Leigh, winemaking is about more than creating great-tasting wine. It’s about crafting something real, lasting, and meaningful. He relies on traditional, classic techniques because he believes they bring out the true character of the fruit and the vineyard. While the world of wine constantly evolves, Leigh’s commitment to time-honored methods ensures his wines remain consistent, authentic, and timeless.
Every bottle is a reflection of the seasons, the land, and the care taken in every step of the process. Through tradition, patience, and a deep respect for the craft, Leigh’s wines tell a genuine story that’s made to be shared, enjoyed, and remembered for years to come.
Our pairing tip:
2022 Pyrenees Viognier X Smoky Chorizo & Gorgonzola
This is a smoky, salty, delicious sausage and cheese pairs perfectly with our 2022 Pyrenees Viognier. Pulling out the juicy peach and apricot notes, this pairing will dance on the taste buds and be the talk of your next dinner party.