Meet the Maker: Good Intentions Wine Co.

Next Tuesday, we welcome Andrew Burchell, half of the husband and wife team behind Good Intentions Wine Co, to Dear Sainte Éloise. Andrew will have all of his new releases on the pour for your tasting pleasure in our laneway nook. Wrought in the volcanic soils of Mount Gambier, South Australia, these are wines that inhabit a very special place, and this is a wonderful opportunity to experience them.

Before turning his hand to winemaking, Andrew had been farming and gardening in Mount Gambier for decades. Over the years, he learned that precious things came from its volcanic, mineral-dense soils. With that in mind, Good Intentions Wine Co. was born with its inaugural vintage in 2014.

Andrew and wife Louise hold two organic vineyards, both cosied up to the southern foot of one of Australia’s youngest volcanoes, Warwar (it last erupted less than 6,000 years ago). The alluringly titled Volcanic Lakes Vineyard is planted to Chardonnay, rooted in rich volcanic ash considered by those who concern themselves with such things to be Australia's most fertile soil. On the other side of the crater lies Lake of Fire Vineyard, planted to red varieties. The confluence of thoughtful organic viticulture, a mineral-rich water source and ancient soils produce wines of singular purity, elegance and expression.

Taste your way through the current release wines as Andrew pours, chats and guides you through the lineup. On the white side, there will be Riesling, Fiano, Grüner Veltliner, and Chardonnay. Onto reds, taste new vintages of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Basalt Red, and Shiraz. Try them by the glass, by the bottle, or two flights of four.