Behind the Bottle
The quest to produce a bottle of red wine is a mission that many would-be vignerons have embarked upon, but very few have succeeded. Here, we take you behind the bottle, and give you an insight into a family that has been growing grapes and transforming them into deep, hearty, bold reds for over 30 years. It is not just the Summerfield family's longevity in the wine making business that has led them to being revered by red lovers; it is also the complete commitment to the grapes and to producing a special, memorable wine.

An introduction to the Summerfield family
Summerfield is a family business consisting of patriarch, Ian Summerfield and his youngest son Mark.  Sadly, Craig - Ian's first-born son and Mark's brother - passed away in February 2006 after illness.  Craig's legacy sees the business continuing at the high standards that he implemented before his passing. Ian tends to the vines daily, and expertise in farming and viticulture has been shared with Mark, who his now head winemaker.  Together, Ian and Mark (along with a dedicated team) continue to develop Summerfield's award-winning labels.

Red with Passion
The Summerfield passion for creating fine wine is evidenced by the daily tending of the vines and time-honoured wine making methods, such as open vat fermenters, hand plunging and barrel fermentation. As traditional winemaking methods are far gentler than the modern techniques often utilised by large commercial operations; Summerfield is at a distinct advantage as a boutique establishment. The process is soft; yielding to the demands of the fruit so that the maturation of the skins and the extraction of the tannins from the fruit are maximised - ideal for the wines made at Summerfield. The desirability of such methods is highlighted by the recent return to traditional winemaking techniques by some of the larger commercial companies endeavouring to produce a premium batch. Summerfield's dedication to excellence has resulted in over a 30 year legacy of premium wines, winning in excess of 150 trophies, medals and awards. Every drop of Summerfield wine lives up to the family seal of approval, and exemplifies full-bodied, fruity wine of the Pyrenees.

Regional Characteristics
Summerfield wines have distinct regional characteristics, and the Summerfield family has a long history with the Pyrnees region. Ian Summerfield was raised in a family integral to the development of the local township of Moonambel - his parents were the proprietors of the local general store for 45 years. Ian's father was a Moonambel local, and his mother a local from Redbank.  Ian worked in the general store until its sale in 1962, when Ian and his brother, Russell, went to work on the family property.  Ian and Russell's parents' affiliation with the land gave Ian a healthy respect and admiration for Australian soil, which is mirrored in the Summerfield tradition and ongoing commitment to working with the elements to harvest wines laden with high quality fruit.

Style
Since Mark's appointment to head winemaker in 1999, Summerfield wines have been further enriched. The wine production is a little larger, and a little higher in alcohol content; but ultimately success has remained throughout. The Summerfield's have been able to add a significant amount of new equipment to the winery, and have increased the crush to an optimal level. When Mark commenced as winemaker, Summerfield were producing around 20-30 tonnes of grapes, which has risen to approximately 150 tonnes - an impressive rate of expansion. It is important to note that the Summerfield promise has remained unchanged and the traditional methods of winemaking will not be compromised.

Relationships
Ian, Craig and Mark have faced many challenges together that could have threatened to destroy the vineyard, if it was not for the steely resilience of the family. In 1981, a savage frost destroyed the entire crop; and it was a month before a single bloom appeared.  It was frosts such as this that led to Ian's conversion to the Scott-Henry system - by which exposure to sunlight is maximised for each vine - and overhead irrigation. Since 1983, the Summerfield's have only lost one block of vines, and during that time have experienced generally up to 8-9 frosts in the early part of the season. A truly remarkable track record. The harmonious and complimentary relationships the Summerfield's have formed is apparent in the wines they produce, as each family and their team play an integral and crucial role in ensuring the wine that reaches the bottle is of the highest quality. The Summerfield family offers customers a personal approach, inviting them to share in a rare family experience. Personal care and attention is bestowed upon every bottle of wine; which is one of the reasons many customers have formed a long-lasting bond with Summerfield.

Minimal Intervention
While minimal intervention is the critical element in growing and developing the Summerfield vines; it is not without daily and sometimes hourly fruit inspections, taste and colour tests throughout the season plus intensive hand picking that the quality of Summerfield wines will be ensured. The wines are handmade in small batches to ensure consistency and quality in every bottle.  Such meticulous techniques have earned Summerfield widespread acclaim for producing consistent, quality wines.