Cornelia Creek Wines

Lou Dumar spent his formative years on a family farm and vineyard in northern Italy. When he migrated to Australia he continued to work as a mechanical engineer, but in 1984 purchased a sadly neglected 160ha property, formerly used as part of a productive sheep station. Lou planted a 1.6 ha vineyard to shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, merlot and brunello, retiring to live on the farm in 2011 with wife Merilyn. They now manage all the vineyard activities. In the early years the grapes were supplied to long-term friend and winemaker Peter Beckingham, who continues to make the wines. -JAMES HALLIDAY