Terroir Summary:
The DiGiorgio Family vineyards span Coonawarra, Lucindale and Kongorong within the Limestone Coast, each contributing distinct site characteristics. Coonawarra’s Terra Rossa soils (clay over limestone) provide moderate water retention and support controlled vigour and consistent phenolic ripening. Lucindale features heavier clay soils with higher moisture capacity, promoting vine resilience and palate weight. Kongorong, closer to the Southern Ocean, comprises sandier soils over limestone with strong maritime influence, resulting in cooler conditions and slower ripening. Collectively, these sites benefit from a temperate climate, enabling extended maturation, balanced acidity and structured wines with defined regional expression.
Heritage:
Stefano DiGiorgio arrived from Italy in 1952, establishing a successful farming and land development enterprise in Lucindale, which remains central to the family’s operations. The first vineyards were planted there in 1989, with plantings gradually expanding to 126 hectares while supplying premium fruit to major producers before launching the DiGiorgio label. In March 2002, the family added Coonawarra’s historic Rouge Homme winery — one of the region’s oldest, with a legacy of benchmark Cabernet Sauvignon and Jimmy Watson Trophy success. Today, winemaking spans Lucindale and Coonawarra, with more recent Kongorong releases further broadening the portfolio and expression of the Limestone Coast.
Philosophy:
The DiGiorgio family philosophy reflects both their Abruzzo heritage and a culture of hospitality that extends from vineyard to cellar door. Alongside a hands-on, multi-generational approach — where family traditions such as Nonna’s pasta workshops remain central — is a focus on producing wines that are approachable, balanced and inherently food-friendly. In the vineyard, quality is driven by low yields, regulated deficit irrigation and inter-row management to control vigour, with minimal chemical input supported by proactive canopy management. Frost mitigation systems protect even ripening, while mature vineyards across Lucindale and Coonawarra consistently deliver fruit that underpins a savoury, expressive and accessible house style.
People:
Still very much a family affair, Frank DiGiorgio leads the family business with a focus on vineyard development, operations and long-term strategy, balancing tradition with innovation; while Anna DiGiorgio drives brand growth through consumer and trade engagement, and a strong presence at cellar door. Head Winemaker Bryan Tonkin brings over 40 years’ Limestone Coast experience, guiding style, quality and regional expression. Supported by a skilled production team overseeing all stages from vineyard intake to bottling, the collective approach combines technical expertise, consistency and craftsmanship, ensuring wines authentically reflect the DiGiorgio family’s sites, heritage and evolving vision.
