all about Bernoota
BERNOOTA.
As you've no doubt read on the back label, 'Bernoota' is the name of the homestead here at Lake Breeze. The homestead and our cellar door building were built back in 1928 by Harry Follett, when he took up the Southern-most portion of the Follett property.
'Bernoota' is a indigenous Ngarrindjeri term, meaning 'home amongst the gum trees'. If you've visited cellar door and have seen the magnificent river red gums lining the river and scattered amongst the vineyards, you'd agree it is a very appropriate name.
Ken and Marlene have lived here since the mid 1960's when they were married, and it is still very much the hub of all Follett family and Lake Breeze gatherings, with all the big decisions made around the kitchen table!
The first three vintages of Bernoota were quite different blends, so Greg needed one name that would cover each of these as they changed from vintage to vintage. It wasn't until 1995 that the blend settled in as 60% shiraz and 40% cabernet.
Since then our Bernoota has won some outstanding awards at national wine shows, and has attracted some high praise from wine writers.
- 13 trophies
- 54 gold medals
- 80 silver medals
- 107 bronze medals
It's one of Australia's favourite wines, and as published by Nick Ryan in the Weekend Australian, is ... "the best value red wine in Australia."
