Brand's Laira

1893,captain Henry Stentiford, an English Sea Captain, purchases an attractive parcel of land planted to Shiraz vines in the Penola fruit colony. He names this vineyard "Laira", after a square-rigged ship that traded around the coast of Australia and New Zealand at the time. 1896, captain Henry Stentiford sells the first crop from the original Shiraz vines to the founder of Coonawarra, John Riddoch.

1950, the vineyard is acquired by Eric Brand and his wife Nancy. 1966, Eric and Nancy brand officially establish the family winery, renaming it "Brand's Laira". It is one of the first small wineries in the Coonawarra region. 1994, McWilliam's Wines, one of Australia's most iconic and renowned family wineries, purchase Brand's Laira. The vision of creating regionally true Coonawarra wines remains the prerogative.

1999, the respected Peter Weinberg is appointed Winemaker for Brand's Laira.

2004, Peter Weinberg takes over the management of all of Brand’s Laira, as well as his ongoing winemaking role. He remains committed to ensuring all aspects of the winery serve to further the Brand’s Laira tradition of producing memorable, distinct Coonawarra wines.

2005, with a greater focus on individual vineyard blocks, Brand's Laira continue the drive to produce premium, award-winning wines that define the winery and region.  2012, Brand's Laira release their Cellar Door exclusive range, including the 2010 August Tide Dry Red and the 2010 Tall Vines Shiraz.

2013, the Brand's Laira vineyard size increases to almost 300 hectares, a steady and significant expansion since their establishment in 1893. With a notable show award history, Brand's Laira continue to be a recognised leader in the Coonawarra region.

Brand’s Laira believe that each bottle of wine tells a unique story about the land from which it was born. The celebrated Coonawarra wine region of South Australia inevitably leaves a powerful footprint across each wine, but within Coonawarra itself, subtle variations in the conditions and geography of the separate vineyard sites create depth and character across the ranges.

The winemakers and viticulturalists of Brand’s Laira have a proud understanding of the intimate conditions and qualities of each of the sites. The vineyards at Brand’s Laira are more than just the source of the fruit for the award winning ranges, they are a snapshot of the history and personality of Australia’s most highly regarded wine region.

Little wonder our Coonawarra vineyard produces such magnificent reds. There are no stunning views here. No meandering rivers, no rolling hills. At first glance, Coonawarra appears featureless. Until you look down. That red soil is the famous 'terra rossa'. It is every winemaker's dream. The wines it produces are peerless. You will never forget your first. The legend of the Brand's Laira vineyard dates back to 1893. It was the year that Captain Stentiford an English sea captain took up a 28 hectare vineyard in the heart of the legendary terra rossa strip of Coonawarra.

This vineyard was part of the original Coonawarra fruit colony and Stentiford named the property 'Laira' after an old square rigged ship trading around the coasts of Australia and New Zealand. The property was acquired in 1950 by Eric Brand and his wife Nancy. In 1966 Eric and his family established Brand's winery becoming the first small winemaker of Coonawarra. The family produced wine until 1994 when the winery was purchased by McWilliams Wines, laying the foundations of winemaking excellence that have continued into the into the next century. Brand's Laira Coonawarra continues the traditions of the past by producing premium quality award winning wines from Australia's most recognised wine region.

Brand's Laira Coonawarra offers a unique tasting experience. Guest's can immerse themselves in the ambiance of cellar door, tasting our range of premium estate grown wine. Take in our rich heritage peering into Eric's Shed for a glimpse of days gone by - Eric Brand's famous museum cellar which has stored wines for decades. The Cellar Door offers specialised tasting to group bookings & buses by appointment. The Cellar Door is open Monday - Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm, Weekends & Public Holidays 10.00am - 4.00pm. Closed Christmas Day, New Years Day & Good Friday.