Foggo Wines

Foggo Wines

Established: 1987 (as Curtis Wines), renamed Foggo Wines
Location: Lot 4 Foggos Road, McLaren Vale, South Australia
Owners: Herb and Sandie Van De Wiel
Specialty: "Home of the Fortified" and heritage vine wines
Website: https://www.foggowines.com.au/

The Historic Foggo Vineyard Legacy

Foggo Wines occupies a site with deep historical significance in McLaren Vale, with the main vineyard originally planted by the prominent Foggo family in 1915. This heritage vineyard represents some of McLaren Vale's oldest and most characterful vine material, providing the foundation for exceptional wine production that honours the region's viticultural traditions.

Historical Timeline:

• 1915: Original vineyard planted by the Foggo family
• 1987: Winemaking brand established as Curtis Wines
• 1999: Herb and Sandie Van De Wiel purchase former Curtis winery
• Present: Renamed Foggo Wines, honouring original vineyard heritage
• Legacy: Over 100 years of continuous grape growing on the site

Herb and Sandie Van De Wiel: Passionate Proprietors

The Van De Wiel family brings 16+ years of McLaren Vale grape growing experience to Foggo Wines, combining deep regional knowledge with passionate commitment to quality wine production. Their hands-on approach ensures every aspect of the operation reflects their personal standards and vision.

Family Approach:

• Personal involvement: Direct participation in all aspects of wine production
• Regional expertise: Deep understanding of McLaren Vale conditions and traditions
• Quality obsession: Uncompromising commitment to excellence
• Visitor engagement: Personal hospitality creating memorable experiences
• Community participation: Active involvement in McLaren Vale wine community

Winemaking Philosophy:

• Heritage respect: Honouring the history of their vineyard sites
• Traditional techniques: Using proven methods for quality production
• Chemical-free approach: Making wines without chemical intervention
• Personal preference: Creating wines they enjoy drinking themselves
• Terroir expression: Allowing site characteristics to guide wine style

Exceptional Vineyard Holdings

Foggo Wines manages two distinctive vineyard sites that showcase the diversity of McLaren Vale terroir:

Foggos Road Vineyard (Historic Site)

Size: 9 hectares
Heritage: Original 1915 plantings with exceptional old vine material

Variety Plantings:

• Shiraz: Dating back to 1915, representing some of McLaren Vale's oldest vines
• Century-old heritage: Irreplaceable genetic material from early plantings
• Dry-grown vines: Traditional farming methods creating concentrated fruit
• Bush vine training: Historical vine training preserving traditional methods
• Low yields: Old vines naturally producing concentrated, flavourful fruit

Blewitt Springs Vineyard

Elevation: Higher altitude providing cooler growing conditions
Varieties: Diverse plantings showcasing cool climate potential

Plantings by Age:

• 80-year-old Grenache: Heritage vines producing exceptional fruit
• 45-year-old Cinsaut: Rare variety adding unique character to blends
• 20-year-old plantings: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier
• Cool climate advantages: Higher elevation providing temperature moderation
• Terroir diversity: Different soil and climate creating wine complexity

"Home of the Fortified" - Specialty Excellence

Foggo Wines has earned recognition as the "Home of the Fortified," developing an exceptional range of fortified wines that showcase traditional Australian styles alongside innovative contemporary expressions.

Fortified Wine Range:

• 10 current fortifieds: Comprehensive range covering traditional and modern styles
• Barrel-aged development: Additional wines quietly developing in aged barrels
• Traditional styles: Aged tawnys, muscats, and topaques
• Contemporary innovations: Modern expressions like "Oblivion" Syrah Fortified
• Specialty offerings: "Little Sweetie" Golden Botrytis and "Gilded Goddess" Apera

Fortified Wine Collections:

Heritage Collection:

• Aged Tawnys: Traditional Australian fortified wine styles
• Muscats: Sweet fortified wines with concentrated fruit character
• Topaques: Complex fortified wines showing aging development
• Traditional methods: Time-honoured production techniques
• Barrel aging: Extended development creating complexity

Hipster Collection:

• "Oblivion" Syrah Fortified: Modern interpretation of traditional styles
• "Little Sweetie" Golden Botrytis: Innovative sweet wine expression
• "Gilded Goddess" Apera: Contemporary take on sherry-style wines
• Creative naming: Appealing to younger consumer demographics
• Quality innovation: Modern techniques applied to traditional concepts

Premium Table Wine Portfolio

Beyond their fortified wine fame, Foggo produces exceptional table wines that showcase their heritage vineyard sites:

Red Wines:

• "Crackin'" Shiraz: Flagship red wine from 1915 heritage vines
• Aged Grenache: Old vine expression showing site character
• Cabernet Sauvignon: Dark and beguiling expression of variety
• Grenache Shiraz Cinsaut (GSC): Traditional blend showcasing multiple varieties
• "Garnacha" (Grenache): Spicy expression highlighting variety character

White Wines:

• Chenin Blanc: Crisp, food-friendly white wine
• Chardonnay: Premium white showing winemaking skill
• Sauvignon Blanc: Fresh, vibrant expression
• Viognier: Aromatic variety adding portfolio diversity

Rosé Wines:

• Sangiovese Rosé: Elegant pink wine perfect for warm weather

Unique Cellar Door Experience

Foggo's cellar door provides one of McLaren Vale's most distinctive and relaxed wine tasting experiences:

Setting and Atmosphere:

• Green lawns: Expansive grassed areas perfect for relaxation
• Towering gum trees: Shade-providing native trees creating natural ambiance
• Lime green armchairs: Famous seating becoming part of Foggo's identity
• Rustic charm: Authentic farm atmosphere without pretension
• Tranquil beauty: Peaceful setting showcasing McLaren Vale's natural character

Tasting Experiences:

• Fortified flights: Specialized tastings showcasing fortified wine range
• Wine flights: Traditional table wine tasting experiences
• Birch timber trays: Beautiful presentation enhancing tasting experience
• Complimentary bites: Five accompaniments including chocolate, almonds, cheese
• Educational approach: Learning about fortified wine production and history

Seasonal Operations:

• October to May: Cellar door open weekends 11:30am-4:30pm
• Winter closure: Seasonal break allowing for winery maintenance and travel
• Appointment availability: Weekday visits by arrangement
• Small groups: Intimate scale ensuring personal attention
• Relaxed pace: Encouraging visitors to linger and enjoy the setting

Awards and Critical Recognition

Foggo Wines has earned significant recognition for their quality and unique character:

Industry Acclaim:

• "Formidable reputation": Recognition for Shiraz, Grenache, GSC, and Cabernet
• "Equal to the best": Quality comparisons with top McLaren Vale producers
• Export markets: Wines available in US, Canada, and Denmark
• Visitor reviews: Consistently positive feedback for hospitality and wine quality
• Hidden gem status: Recognition as "little-known hidden gem" by critics

Wine Quality Recognition:

• Heritage vine expressions: Acknowledgment for old vine wine quality
• Fortified wine excellence: Recognition as fortified wine specialists
• Traditional methods: Respect for chemical-free winemaking approach
• Terroir expression: Wines showing distinctive site characteristics
• Aging potential: Wines demonstrating development over time

The "Little Known Hidden Gem" Character

Foggo deliberately maintains a low-profile approach that prioritizes wine quality and authentic experiences over flashy marketing:

Authentic Philosophy:

• No flashy architecture: Focus on wine quality rather than building design
• No restaurant: Concentrating on wine production and tasting
• No tourist buses: Intimate scale preserving personal experience
• Handcrafted focus: Emphasis on artisanal wine production
• Quality over marketing: Letting wines speak for themselves

Visitor Appeal:

• Discerning wine lovers: Attracting serious wine enthusiasts
• Repeat customers: Strong loyalty from satisfied visitors
• Word-of-mouth reputation: Growing recognition through visitor recommendations
• Authentic experiences: Genuine farm atmosphere without commercial overlay
• Personal connections: Direct interaction with passionate winemakers

Seasonal Calendar and Future Plans

Foggo operates on a seasonal calendar that balances wine production with visitor experiences:

Annual Cycle:

• October reopening: Cellar door returns from winter break
• Summer operations: Peak visitor season with optimal weather
• Harvest activities: Vintage operations during autumn months
• Winter closure: Maintenance, travel, and wine development time
• Barrel development: Ongoing fortified wine aging throughout year

Development Plans:

• Quality focus: Continuing emphasis on wine excellence
• Facility improvements: Gradual enhancement of visitor facilities
• Product development: New fortified wine expressions
• Market expansion: Careful growth while maintaining character
• Heritage preservation: Protecting old vine genetics and traditional methods

Community Involvement and Industry Position

Foggo maintains active involvement in the McLaren Vale wine community while preserving their unique character:

Industry Relationships:

• Grower cooperation: Working with other heritage vine custodians
• Knowledge sharing: Contributing to fortified wine expertise
• Regional promotion: Supporting McLaren Vale wine tourism
• Sustainable practices: Contributing to environmental stewardship
• Traditional preservation: Maintaining historical winemaking methods

Foggo Wines represents the authentic heart of McLaren Vale winemaking, where heritage vines, traditional methods, and passionate family stewardship create exceptional wines in a setting that celebrates the simple pleasures of great wine enjoyed in beautiful, unpretentious surroundings.