Description
About Bellwether Wines
Sue Bell is a deep thinking winemaker. Her wines are specifically selected climate appropriate varietal matches. Sue loves the classics but dabbles on the fringe with emerging Mediterranean varieties. Fragrance, texture, mouthfeel and lower alcohol are features of all her wines. Bellwether is a special place, that celebrates wine, nature, food, art, history and fun in equal measures, based in an 1868 stone shearing shed, it is a true reflection of the ‘things that matter’ to Sue.
Acknowledging and celebrating the ancient Aboriginal heritage of Australia and how that knowledge is sought to improve the culture of the Australian wine community and the long term connection and care for country is strong passion of Sue’s.
With a degree in Oenology from Adelaide Uni and some postgraduate studies in Viticulture, she has worked for some of the smallest and biggest wine companies in the world. Over 25 years experience in most South Australian regions, Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales and vintages in California and Bordeaux. Sue is an active player in the Australian wine community, serving on numerous industry boards at a regional, state and national levels. A well respected palate, Sue was a Dux of the prestigious Len Evans Tutorial and regularly judges at wine shows, including chairing regional and National shows.
Her wines have won numerous medals and trophies, she was named Australian Society of Viticulture & Oenology Winemaker of the year in 2014 and nominated for Gourmet Traveller Winemaker of the year in 2021. Sue is a proud graduate of the Australian Rural Leadership Program, saying it changed her life. A favourite moment was winning the blue ribbon for veggies at the Penola Show. She can be found at Bellwether making wine, sour dough, gardening, cooking lamb or planning the next music gig or event.
