Bellwether Wines

HISTORY
Founded by Sue Bell in 2009, Bellwether Wines is housed in the historic Glen Roy Shearing Shed—an 1868 stone building that once served as a hub for local wool production. Sue’s career began in corporate winemaking, including positions at Penfolds and Hardy’s, before she shifted toward a more creative, hands-on path. Her vision was to create a space where wine, art, food, music, and nature could come together. Bellwether embodies her deep connection to Coonawarra’s terroir, Indigenous heritage, and community.
The winery is more than a place of production—it’s a vibrant gathering space, hosting tastings, community dinners, glamping, gardens, and events that reflect Sue’s belief that wine should be soulful, inclusive, and shared.

VINEYARDS & PRACTICES
Sue collaborates with a trusted group of Coonawarra growers, handpicking small parcels of Cabernet along with Shiraz, Malbec, Tempranillo, Riesling, and emerging Mediterranean varieties. She partners with growers who share her philosophy of balanced, site-driven viticulture, working closely with them to guide yields, ripeness, and expression of place. The estate grounds include a produce garden and a restored vineyard landscape alive with wildlife, creating a biodiverse and regenerative environment that complements the winery’s ethos.

WINEMAKING & ETHOS
Bellwether’s approach to winemaking is artisanal and low-intervention. Cabernet, Shiraz, and other varietals are crafted in small fermenters with wild yeast fermentations and gentle extraction, emphasizing fragrance, texture, and lower alcohol levels. The goal isn’t power but rather mouthfeel, finesse, and a true sense of region. Minimal inputs are used, staying true to honest fruit expression. The cellar itself is intimate yet finely tuned for small-batch production—where emotional connection to the wine holds as much importance as technical precision.