A HISTORICAL book depicting the history of Coonawarra’s oldest vineyard was launched last week among proud community members who celebrated the 15 year project.
“Out of the Blocks” documents the stories of Wynns Coonawarra Estate and was written by a trio of authors – Sunday Mail Newspaper columnist Lainie Anderson, Wynns viticulturist Allen Jenkins and Wynns winemaker Sarah Pidgeon.
With research beginning in 2001, Ms Pidgeon said the idea for the book followed the release of Wynns’ single vineyard wines.
“We have been collecting stories since that time and we decided we needed to formalise what we had collected and ensure it was not lost,” Ms Pidgeon said.
After 10 years of collecting treasured stories, it was decided assistance was needed to bring it all together.
“That is where Lainie Anderson came in, she is the main author and has helped check the stories we have collected by going back to families which were involved with the original plantings of the vineyards,” Ms Pidgeon said.
She said it was vital for the book to offer an in-depth history to ensure each vineyard had a place and to acknowledge their current importance.
“I also learnt a lot about the vineyards’ history by being involved with the project,” Ms Pidgeon said.
The book includes information on the winery’s diverse vineyards and showcases the story of the first single vineyard, the Harold Vineyard.
“Another highlight for me is the tales of the Johnson’s vineyard, which we have made a few different wines from,” Ms Pidgeon said.
“It is one of the most important vineyards we have, it has very old vines with great performance.”
Ms Pidgeon, who has been part of Wynns for 19 years, said she hoped the book became something to help the community define their identity as people and as a region.
“I hope it rekindles pride about where we have come from and then we can reflect on where we are going,” she said.
Ms Pidgeon said the Australian wine sector as a whole would appreciate the stories.
“It is great to share this moment with the families who have contributed the stories to the book,” she said.
“The launch was all about them.”
