Chapel Hill Winery takes its name from the historic ironstone church built on the property in 1865. Originally the Christian Bible church then later used as the parish school, the church closed in its centenary year (1965) and fell into disrepair until its restoration in the 1970s. The church is today a tourist attraction and serves as the cellar door at Chapel Hill .
In December 2000 Chapel Hill changed ownership once more, this time being purchased by the Swiss family of Mr Thomas Schmidheiny. The Schmidheiny family also own Cuvaison Winery in California and vineyards in Argentina and Switzerland.
Winemaker Pam Dunsford commenced her association with Chapel Hill in 1987. Pam was the first female in Australia to graduate as an oenologist in 1973. She has since worked and studied extensively in the major wine producing regions of the world. Currently one of Australia's most respected winemakers, Pam manages the entire Chapel Hill business encompassing the vineyards, winemaking, business development and global wine sales.
The cellar door at Chapel Hill is set within a historic 19th century stone church from which the winery takes its name. Situated at the top of one of McLaren Vale's magestic hills, views from the cellar door are magnificent. Take the time to share a picnic on the grass and enjoy the surrounding views of the rolling hills dotted with vineyards and the ocean.
Pam Dunsford is recognised as one of Australia's most gifted winemakers. She was the first woman to graduate in Australia as an oenologist in 1973. Having gained experience working in all the major wine producing countries of the world, Pam joined Chapel Hill in 1989. Since then Chapel Hill wines have been honoured nationally and internationally.
Chief Winemaker, Michael Fragos, joined Chapel Hill in February 2004. A fabulous addition to our winemaking team, Michael, who was named Winestate Magazine's Winemaker of the Year in December 2003, has come to us from the position of General Manager and Senior Winemaker at Tatachilla. Michael has an enviable reputation as an outstanding winemaker and is well known in the international winemaking arena.
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