Our Review
Laughing Jack is owned by Shawn and Briony Kalleske, with brothers Nathan and Damon Kalleske. The 3 estate vineyards in Marananga, Greenock and Mooppa are primarily planted to shiraz, with lesser amounts of semillon and grenache. Vine age varies considerably, with old, dry-grown shiraz the jewel in the crown. As any Australian knows, the kookaburra is also called the laughing jack, and there is a resident flock of kookaburras in the stands of blue and red gums surrounding the vineyards. -JAMES HALLIDAY
About
All great wines begin in the vineyard!
Laughing Jack’s three family vineyard sites are replete with ancient soils in which the vine roots extend deep, in some of the best locations in the Barossa Valley )and indeed the world) to grow premium shiraz! Being raised in the vineyards of his family estate has fashioned a deep love affair for Winemaker Shawn Kalleske. Shawn’s commitment to sustainable viticulture practices and an undeniable passion for winemaking can be tasted in every bottle.
The winery is a family affair, established in 1999 and is owned by husband and wife team Shawn & Briony Kalleske, plus brothers Nathan & Damon Kalleske. The winery is 100% family owned and operated and 100% estate grown. The family have long been part of the Barossa Valley landscape dating back to 1855. Parents Ian and Carol reside on the family estate on the outskirts of the Greenock township.
The property is lined by majestic Gum trees that harbour the much-loved Kookaburra, otherwise known as the ‘Laughing Jack’. The remaining family vineyards are located in Moppa and Marananga along the much sought-after western ridge. Laughing Jack specialises in low-volume and high-quality premium wines from estate-grown fruit. The wines are made using traditional methods such as open-top fermentation and basket press. WInes are unfined, deeming them vegan friendly. A small Cellar Door opened in July 2021 and now welcomes visitors every Friday and Saturday. Catering for small groups only which ensures a personalised wine focussed experience hosted by a passionate family member. The Cellar Door sits alongside the winery and barrel hall overlooking 12 acres of vineyard and boasts stunning views of the Barossa Ranges. Come for the wine, stay for the view!
Specialities
Shiraz, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mataro, Semillon
Cellar Door
Information
A small Cellar Door opened in July 2021 and now welcomes visitors every Friday and Saturday. Catering for small groups only (1-6 people) which ensures a personalised wine focussed experience hosted by a passionate family member. The Cellar Door sits alongside the winery and barrel hall overlooking 12 acres of vineyard and boasts stunning views of the Barossa Ranges.
Hours
By appointment
Details are correct at time of writing
Please check winery website for up to date details
Stockist Information
Distribution Information
National Distributors - Bibendum Wine Co Ground Floor 3-5 Harper St Abbotsford VIC 3067 Ph: +613 8415 0070 Fax: +613 8415 0276 orders@bibendum.com.au www.bibendum.com.au
International Sales Information
MALAYSIA - Vine Valley Beverages SDN, BHD Edward Lee & Jocelyn Leong No. 7 Jalan Persiaran Flora Utama Taman Flora Utama 83000 Batu Pahat, Johor Darul Takzim, Malaysia Ph: +607 435 1868 Fax: +607 433 1869 sales@vinevalley.com.my
Details
| Rating |
|
| Winemaker |
Shawn Kalleske |
| Established |
1999 |
| Dozens |
6500 |
| Vineyards (area) |
44.2 ha |
| Viticulturist |
Kalleske family |
| Opening Hours |
Fri-Sat 10-4 |
| Address |
194 Stonewell Road, Marananga, SA 5355
|
| Telephone |
(08) 8562 3878
|
| Website |
www.laughingjackwines.com.au
|
