Coonawarra winery Zema Estate is celebrating 40-years with the limited release of its 2016 Saluti, an exciting new brand refresh, and celebrations in Coonawarra and around Australia.

What started as a love story in Calabria, Italy, became a 40-year obsession with Cabernet and Shiraz. In 1957, Demetrio Zema followed his fiancée Francesca to Australia in search of something more.

Nick Zema, co-founder and Director at Zema Estate, said, “Australia was the land of opportunity for Mum and Dad. All their hard work was to achieve one goal - to purchase a Coonawarra vineyard and establish wine under the Zema name.”

In March 1982, their dream became a reality when the Zema family purchased 20 acres right in the heart of Coonawarra’s famed terra rossa - eight acres of which were already planted with mature shiraz vines.

When it came time to decide what to plant, the Zema family saw no reason to depart from Scottish pioneer John Riddoch’s 1891 recommendation, planting their remaining land with Cabernet Sauvignon.

“Our whole business is built on these two great grape varieties; Cabernet - vibrant and rich with a great line of length, and Shiraz for a great mouthfeel and loads of flavour,” said Mr Zema.

Zema Estate now has 150 acres of vines in three prime Coonawarra locations, great pride in their achievements, but has always remained steadfastly grounded in the Zema family's original approach to winemaking.

“Hand-pruning to nurture and foster each vine, careful fruit selection, enriching the fruit flavours through selected winemaking techniques, using the best oak barrels available, and diligent bottle ageing are key to the Zema signature style," Mr Zema said.

Zema Estate will celebrate its 40th anniversary with:

  • a commemorative release of the limited 2016 Saluti (RRP $145.99) in September
  • revealing the final stage of their brand refresh with the release of 2018 Cluny (RRP $24.99), 2018 Estate Cabernet (RRP $29.99), 2018 Estate Shiraz (RRP $26.99)
  • hosting commemorative events in Coonawarra and around Australia, including; 
    • Exclusive 40-year Celebration Dinner at Zema Estate, Coonawarra hosted by renowned wine writer Nick Ryan on Saturday, 1 October
    • 30 years of Cluny tasting on Saturday, 8 and Sunday, 9 October in Coonawarra
    • 40 years of Cabernet tasting on Saturday 15 & Sunday, 16 October in Coonawarra
    • Back vintage tastings in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth as part of the Coonawarra Roadshow throughout August
  • Zema Estate’s exhibition “History is Happening Now” on view to the public throughout October and by appointment at their Cellar Door.

For more information, visit here.

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