History
O'Brien family has made Kangarilla Road wine at their home in McLaren Vale since 1997.
Kevin discovered his passion for wine while sculling down the Torrens River with the University of Adelaide Rowing Club.
Studying Science, Kevin enjoyed the social side of rowing as much as he did the competition.
New and old world wines were regularly consumed and the rowing club particularly enjoyed touring Australia’s wine regions.
This prompted Kevin to change his degree to Oenology and continue his exploration of the world’s wine regions beyond his years at university.
An appreciation for the varietal definition of wines Kevin encountered in his work and travels through France, Italy, Spain and Portugal, combined with the research intensive role he held at the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI), began to shape Kevin’s dream to make his own wine.
A love for wine and some close mutual friends drew Kevin and Helen together. Kevin’s dream became a shared journey on his birthday in March 1997, when they both decided to establish a home and winery on the flats of McLaren Vale.
They purchased the old Cambrai vineyard, which had the largest plantings of Zinfandel in Australia at the time, thus Kevin initially turned his attention to this variety. He also produced Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon which were planted on the property.
Over time, his attention turned to other varieties such as Sangiovese, Vermentino and Nebbiolo.
Life for Kevin is not just about vines, wines and leaf morphology. He participates in the annual South Australia Variety Bash raising funds for children and travelling across Australia with mates who share his love for the fun and adventure of The Variety Bash.
Originally from Oxford, England, Helen came with her family to Australia when she was three years old.
Helen’s wine story began at an early age, dutifully accompanying her parents on numerous visits to McLaren Vale cellar doors.
She has fond memories of old established wineries like Kay Brothers Amery which her parents visited regularly to feed their ever increasing interest in wine and the South Australian wine scene.
Little did she know, McLaren Vale would later become her home, with her husband and business partner Kevin.
Prior to this, Helen spent a decade in the fashion industry, modelling in Australia, Asia and Europe. She went on to spend several years in the business management and operations side of a leading modelling agency.
During this time, Helen undertook a Business Management degree at the University of South Australia, majoring in Human Resources and Industrial Relations.
Helen’s interest in fashion, extends to art, design and architecture. She loves nothing more than seeking out new design or art pieces to engage with, to enhance a space, or to express a sense of place.
She has provided support to student designers and you will notice Helen’s flair for design at Cellar Door, such as Uma the bison, the large foot and quirky art pieces which are characteristically Kangarilla Road.
When Charlie is not riding the perfect wave at Middleton Beach, he loves nothing more than to shadow his Dad in the vineyard.
Charlie has grown up at Kangarilla Road; spending his childhood helping out in the winery, greeting guests at cellar door and sharing the vineyard rows with the resident mob of kangaroos.
A love for his McLaren Vale home and life on a winery, means Charlie is very likely to follow on from his Mum and Dad, producing wine from the region.
In the meantime though, there are school exams and potentially university studies to keep him duly occupied - oh and a few good waves to catch at the nearest surf beach.