Our Vineyards
At Zema Estate, we believe great wine begins in the vineyard. It’s this deep commitment to viticulture – hand pruning, sustainable practices, minimal irrigation, careful fruit selection, and low-yield vines producing small berries with concentrated flavour – that ensures we produce top-quality fruit vintage after vintage.
We own and manage three distinct vineyards in Coonawarra: the Winery Block, Cluny Vineyard, and our Glenroy Vineyard. Each site is strategically located to capture subtle variations in soil and microclimate, contributing to the complexity and character of our wines.
Viticultural Philosophy
Hand Pruned
When our family migrated from Italy in 1953, we brought with us a wealth of traditional viticultural knowledge. That legacy lives on today. Every vine is still hand-pruned by our family and team – carefully shaped to manage vigour, yield, and fruit quality. As Nick Zema often says, “I still feel Nonno looking over my shoulder when I prune.”
Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a commitment rooted in our family values and long-term vision. We carefully manage vine health through minimal irrigation, attentive canopy management, and rigorous monitoring of pests and disease – all with the goal of nurturing the land for generations.
Our vineyards are proud to be certified members of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia – the national program that promotes and measures sustainable practices in the wine industry. As part of our membership, we undergo independent third-party audits and submit annual reports on our business and viticultural practices. This ensures we continue to meet – and strive to exceed – industry standards for environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
Terra Rossa Soils
All three vineyards are planted on Coonawarra’s famous terra rossa soil – a unique light red clay coloured by iron oxide, laying over a sub-soil structure of free draining limestone with a permanent supply of pure underground water.
Terra Rossa is known for producing wines with elegance, structure, and age-worthiness. Combined with cooling maritime breezes from the Southern Ocean, these conditions mirror those of France’s famed Bordeaux region – ideal for growing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
Low Yields, Big Flavour
Flavour comes from the skin, so we harness low-yielding vines that produce small, intensely flavoured berries.
Precise Harvesting
Owning and operating our own harvesting equipment gives us complete control over when we pick – allowing us to harvest when our fruit is at optimum ripeness and quality.
Our Vineyard Sites
Together, these vineyards form the foundation of Zema Estate’s unwavering commitment to quality, tradition, and terroir. Every vine tells a story – and every bottle tells ours.
Winery Block – The Heart of Zema Estate
This is where it all began. In 1982, the Zema family purchased a 20-acre block in the heart of Coonawarra’s famed terra rossa strip – adjacent to icons Mildara, Rouge Homme, and Wynns. The block included 8 acres of Shiraz, and in 1984 the family planted Cabernet Sauvignon, in keeping with John Riddoch’s vision for the region.
2024 Redevelopment
In 2024, we undertook a significant redevelopment of the Winery Block. The original vines, planted in 1966 and without irrigation, had reached the end of their productive life. In their place, we have planted a new Shiraz clone, perfectly suited to the site and our wine style. This project is a testament to our commitment to both tradition and innovation – ensuring this historic block continues to thrive for generations to come.
Location: Riddoch Highway, Coonawarra (Infront and behind our Cellar Door)
Vines: Shiraz (original block – 1966, replanted 2024), Cabernet Sauvignon winery (planted 2021), Cabernet Sauvignon Cellar Door (planted 1984 and replanted 2024)
Soil: Classic terra rossa over limestone
Cluny Vineyard – Home of our Alternative Varieties
Located just five minutes from the winery, the Cluny Vineyard was purchased in 1989 from the Abbey family, who had long called the property ‘Cluny’. Out of respect, the Zema family retained the name.
Today, this 17.5-hectare vineyard is home to the four classic Cluny blend varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc. Inspired by Wayne Stehbens popular wine from Katnook, a small parcel of Sauvignon Blanc was planted in 1994.
Location: Racecourse Road, Penola
Vines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc (planted 1989), Sauvignon Blanc (planted 1994)
Soil: Terra rossa and varied clay profiles
Glenroy Vineyard – Our Northern Gem
In 1993, the Zema’s expanded again, purchasing the 80-hectare Glenroy property, located 7km north of the winery. With 28 hectares under vine, Glenroy plays a key role in providing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz for our Estate and Family Selection wines.
The slightly cooler climate and unique soil profiles at Glenroy bring added depth and structure to our reds.
Location: 7km north of Coonawarra
Vines: Block 1&2 Cabernet Sauvignon (planted 1994 and reworks in 2018), Block 1&2 Shiraz (planted 1994). Block 3 Cabernet and Shiraz (planted 2001)
Soil: Terra rossa and clay
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