Our Story
In 2002 Phil took over Boongarrie Estate in Eden Valley and began restoring its young vineyard. Sarah joined him the following year, and in 2006 they purchased the neighbouring olive grove, planted two years earlier. Since then we have crafted small-batch wines from our estate vines and extra virgin olive oils from the grove, all with care and minimal intervention.
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Our Story
A story of the seasons, soil and the fruit
Boongarrie Estate’s shallow, mineral-rich soils and elevated site in Eden Valley have shaped our approach from the very beginning. Phil took over the property in 2002 and began restoring its young vineyard, planted four years earlier. Sarah joined him the following year, and in 2006 they purchased the neighbouring olive grove. Over more than two decades of careful stewardship, the original Shiraz and Cabernet blocks have been brought into full production, while sections of the vineyard have been replanted with Riesling, Grenache and Gamay. The estate remains our family home and the heart of our small-batch wines and olive oils.
Sarah Joins the Estate
Sarah’s first drive up the long, winding driveway, framed by red gums, left a lasting impression. After years dancing with the Australian Ballet and living in cities around the world, the estate’s raw beauty felt profoundly different. She can no longer imagine calling anywhere else home.
Together with Phil, their children Lewis and Olive, greyhound Jinx, two alpacas and a flock of Australian White Sheep, the family has built a rich life here at Boongarrie Estate. Sarah hopes that something of this special place shines through in every glass of wine and bottle of olive oil we share.
Together with Phil, their children Lewis and Olive, greyhound Jinx, two alpacas and a flock of Australian White Sheep, the family has built a rich life here at Boongarrie Estate. Sarah hopes that something of this special place shines through in every glass of wine and bottle of olive oil we share.
Phil's Background
Phil grew up in a Barossa winemaking family, with ongoing guidance from his parents Margaret and Peter Lehmann. After training as an engineer, he worked vintages in Napa Valley, Burgundy and Stellenbosch, as well as at established Barossa wineries, before completing a Graduate Diploma in Oenology at the University of Adelaide.
At heart, Phil sees himself first as a farmer: “Each season leaves its mark on the grapes. Our role in the vineyard and cellar is to respect that and produce wines that honestly reflect the year and the site.”
At heart, Phil sees himself first as a farmer: “Each season leaves its mark on the grapes. Our role in the vineyard and cellar is to respect that and produce wines that honestly reflect the year and the site.”
The Estate
Boongarrie Estate lies on the northern slopes of Keynes Hill in Eden Valley, at an elevation of 430 to 460 metres. The original ten hectares of vineyard were planted in 1998 to Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Since taking over the property in 2002, Phil and Sarah have restored these young vines and, in 2021, replanted sections of the site with Riesling, Grenache and Gamay. The estate also includes a four-hectare olive grove planted to Manzanillo, Pendolino and Kalamata varieties.
Life on the Estate
We live and work on Boongarrie Estate, tending the vineyard and olive grove alongside grazing land for our flock of Australian White Sheep and two alpacas. The wine shed sits quietly among the vines and trees, keeping every stage of production close to the source.
Our guiding principle is responsible farming: to leave the land healthier than we found it.
Away from the vines, family time is cherished. Phil, Sarah, Lewis and Olive often explore the property on mountain and dirt bikes, with greyhound Jinx happily joining the ride. The name Max & Me honours the German Shepherd cross who first brought Phil and Sarah together.
Our guiding principle is responsible farming: to leave the land healthier than we found it.
Away from the vines, family time is cherished. Phil, Sarah, Lewis and Olive often explore the property on mountain and dirt bikes, with greyhound Jinx happily joining the ride. The name Max & Me honours the German Shepherd cross who first brought Phil and Sarah together.
Private Tastings at the Estate
We warmly welcome visitors who would like to experience Boongarrie Estate and taste our small-batch wines and olive oils. Private tastings with Phil and Sarah are available by appointment only, with at least one week’s notice. This allows us to give you our full attention and share the story of the estate in a personal, unhurried way.
Please use the contact form on this site to request a visit and we will find a time that suits you.
Please use the contact form on this site to request a visit and we will find a time that suits you.