Petaluma Wines: A South Australian Legacy of Craft, Character, and Excellence
History
Petaluma Wines is one of the most respected names in Australian winemaking, a house that has carved a unique place in the heart of South Australia’s rich viticultural landscape. Established with a vision of producing fine wines that reflect both the land and the artistry of those who nurture it, Petaluma has remained a pioneer in the pursuit of regional expression, precision, and character. With vineyards spread across some of South Australia’s most celebrated wine growing regions, Petaluma has built a reputation for crafting wines that are elegant, age worthy, and expressive of their terroir.
Origins
The origins of Petaluma date back to 1976, when Brian Croser, one of the country’s most visionary winemakers, founded the winery with a simple but ambitious philosophy. He believed that the finest wines come from carefully chosen sites, each matched to the grape variety best suited to its soils and climate. This concept, often referred to as distinguished site winemaking, became the cornerstone of Petaluma’s identity. It was a revolutionary approach in an era when many Australian producers were focused on volume and standardisation, and it set Petaluma apart as a house devoted to quality and authenticity.
Winemaking
From the very beginning, Petaluma pursued excellence by sourcing fruit from premium vineyards across three distinct regions. In the cool climate Adelaide Hills, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir thrive, yielding wines of precision and vibrant acidity. In the Clare Valley, Riesling is grown with purity and minerality, producing white wines that are regarded as some of the finest in the country. In the Coonawarra, the famed terra rossa soils nurture Cabernet Sauvignon of remarkable depth, structure, and longevity. By combining these diverse regional strengths under one label, Petaluma built a portfolio that is both diverse and consistently outstanding.
Winemaker Ben Thoman
Ben’s winemaking journey has been enriched by diverse experiences across Australia and abroad including a stint in the Napa Valley California. Before joining Petaluma, he worked in renowned cellars where he gained exposure to traditional techniques as well as modern approaches to viticulture and fermentation. These formative years instilled a respect for patience and detail, qualities that now define his work. He became known for his ability to draw out the unique voice of each vineyard site, a philosophy that aligns perfectly with Petaluma’s founding vision of distinguished site winemaking.
Since becoming part of the Petaluma team, Ben has been deeply involved in shaping some of the winery’s most acclaimed vintages. He has played a key role in the production of Clare Valley Riesling, prized for its purity and age worthiness, and Adelaide Hills Chardonnay, admired for its balance of fruit intensity and refined structure. His efforts have helped these wines earn consistent praise from critics and competitions alike.
Accolades for Ben’s work include recognition from Australian wine shows and inclusion in industry discussions about the next generation of leading winemakers. Colleagues and mentors often describe his style as thoughtful, precise, and confident, with an unwavering focus on integrity in both vineyard management and cellar practice.
Wines
The character of Petaluma’s wines is often described as elegant rather than ostentatious. The Chardonnay from the Adelaide Hills offers citrus and stone fruit layered with restrained oak and creamy texture. The Riesling from Clare Valley delivers delicate floral notes with crisp lime and a mineral driven finish that can age gracefully for decades. The Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon is renowned for its cassis, cedar, and earthy undertones framed by firm tannins and remarkable balance. Each wine carries the personality of its region while reflecting the careful hand of the winemaking team.
Recognition
Awards and accolades have followed Petaluma throughout its journey. The wines have consistently received high scores from leading critics and have been featured in international competitions, cementing the brand’s reputation as a global ambassador for Australian wine. Petaluma Riesling, in particular, has been celebrated as a benchmark for the Clare Valley style, while the Coonawarra Cabernet has earned recognition for its longevity and classic profile. Petaluma’s Adelaide Hills Chardonnay has frequently been listed among Australia’s finest examples of the varietal, further enhancing the brand’s standing in both domestic and export markets.
Beyond critical acclaim, Petaluma has also earned the loyalty of wine lovers who appreciate its consistent quality and timeless style. The winery has become a symbol of South Australian pride, representing not just a business but a tradition that spans generations of growers, winemakers, and enthusiasts. Each bottle tells a story of place, passion, and patience, capturing the essence of the regions that make South Australia such a remarkable destination for fine wine.
Petaluma’s enduring success lies in its commitment to the marriage of site and variety, a principle that remains as relevant today as it was in 1976. Guided by history yet unafraid of progress, Petaluma continues to stand as a shining example of what can be achieved when vision, skill, and respect for the land come together in the pursuit of excellence. It is not just a winery but a legacy of character, crafted with care and shared with the world.
