At first, just for family and friends, in 2006 Vigna Bottin was born from the Bottin’s estate grown Italian grape varieties. Paolo’s father Anselmo and uncle Ferdinando instilled the skills and passion for viticulture in Paolo at a young age.

Paolo was always interested in and drawn to Italian varieties. He travelled to Italy to learn more and observed Italian varieties being made that were more medium-bodied and food-friendly. It wasn’t until a few trips to Italy, and after many summers tending the vineyards of traditional McLaren Vale varieties, that planting Italian grapes in Australian soil became a reality.

In 1999, Paolo started the journey by planting Sangiovese and Barbera.

Slowly, the wines made with a philosophy of “what we don’t sell, we’ll consume” have grown to become something people actively seek. Sadly for the family, their allocation now often needs to be given up.

Vigna Bottin uses organic principles and are carefully and progressively adopting methods that care for a healthy ecosystem, with healthy soils providing the growth of exceptional fruit. Their deep rooted principles of improving the land for future generations has been passed down from generations to generation.

Probably the best anecdote that encapsulates the Vigna Bottin story is this one from Maria: “Paolo’s dad, Anselmo, at 83 years old, would still come out to prune each year and help out wherever possible. Anselmo would say “don’t worry we’ll prune it all, you don’t need to get anybody else to help and sure thing, at the crack of dawn, he would be there rain, hail or shine.”

For Paolo, being in the vineyard with the sun on his face or rain on his back is where he is happiest. Like father, like son.