TASTING EXPERIENCES
BOOK NOW
DISTINGUISHED SITES
LEARN MORE
AWARD-WINNING WINES
PURCHASE

Welcome to Tapanappa Wines

Tapanappa is the continuation of the 40-year mission of pioneering winemaker Brian Croser and his family to make world-class wines from the most “Distinguished Sites” in South Australia.

The name “Tapanappa” is inspired by the 550-million-year-old geological formation that underlies the Fleurieu Peninsula where we have our newest vineyard, Foggy Hill. The word Tapanappa is derived from the local aboriginal language, implying “sticking to the path”.

With a next generation of family closely involved, Brian continues his passion to achieve the finest expression of his choice of noble varieties in their best suited terroirs, no matter what each vintage brings.

The Tiers Vineyard is a truly “distinguished site”. It was the first modern day vineyard planted in the Adelaide Hills region, thus pioneering the true cool climate wine industry of South Australia
It is through the experience of many vintages, watching each of our vineyards delivering wines that are a pure expression of their noble varieties and a unique terroir. That gives us the confidence to call our three vineyards a “Distinguished Site” - Brian Croser
Terroir describes the environmental inputs of the site, namely the geology, soil, aspect and climate.

Purchase our Wines

Tiers Chardonnay
Tiers Vineyard
Chardonnay
The Tiers Vineyard was planted in 1979, the first vineyard in the Piccadilly Valley since the 19th century. The vineyard is close spaced and vertical canopy, the first of this quality focussed design in Australia. The clone of Chardonnay in “old” Tiers is of unknown origins but probably relates to the first introduction of Chardonnay vines to Australia in the 19th century. Of the past three wonderful vintages in Tiers Vineyard, 2022 was the coolest. The late ripening of a small crop in perfect cool, dry and sunny conditions, has defined a very special Chardonnay from the unique and distinguished Tiers Vineyard terroir.
Definitus Pinot Noir
Foggy Hill “Definitus”
Pinot Noir
The centre of the Foggy Hill north-western slope planted in 2003 to Dijon Pinot Noir clones 115 and 777, ripens grapes to a greater fruit intensity and deeper colour than the rest of the vineyard. The centre of slope that we have named the Definitus block is harvested separately and produces a special wine, still Foggy Hill but defined by its location on the hill. In the Definitus block the underlying ferricrete sandstone is very close to the soil surface, restricting the size of the vines and their crop load. Hence the grapes ripen more uniformly and to a greater intensity.
Whalebone Merlot
Whalebone Vineyard
Merlot Cabernet Franc
Tapanappa acquired the Whalebone Vineyard in 2002 and completely renovated the vines onto a new trellis supporting a shoot thinned vertical canopy. The old Merlot and Cabernet Franc vines have responded magnificently. After a fifty-year struggle the vine roots have penetrated the deeper limestone layers and are extracting a balance of moisture and nutrient to sustain a meagre crop of 4 tonnes/hectare. This is a ripe complex wine, with intensity as well as strength and is a “true expression of the unique Whalebone Vineyard terroir”.

 Join the Tapanappa Wine Club and receive up to 20% off your order! 

As a member you will enjoy a 3 or 6 pack of Tapanappa wines including museum releases four times a year.

Join The Club

Tasting Notes

Tiers Vineyard
Chardonnay

SOLD OUT -2019 Tiers Chardonnay is exquisitely concentrated. Absolutely typical of Tiers, the wine has a significant texture. The aromas and flavours are tightly wound in this young Chardonnay and it will take some time to fully open up. The bright finishing acid and slight grape fruit bitterness lend a suitable end to the sweet fruit core of the wine.

Foggy Hill “Definitus”
Pinot Noir

This 2018 Definitus special bottling of Foggy Hill Pinot Noir has intense cerise colour. The aroma is of complex, ripe dark fruits, black and blueberries, faint cassis and hints of floral notes. The flavours are rich, ripe and dense with plum to compliment the characteristic Foggy Hill earthy, spicey complexity.

Whalebone Vineyard
Merlot Cabernet Franc

The 2016 vintage the Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard Cabernet Franc Merlot has the elegance and finesse expected of this right bank varietal blend. The tannins are fine and grainy providing a savoury and long finish.

View Tasting Notes
View Tasting Notes
View Tasting Notes

Don't miss out on the next vintage of Tapanappa Chardonnays again!

Sign up for Tappening Newsletter and be the first to receive information on our newest releases, upcoming events and much more.
Sign Me Up!
Tappening

Sorry we have to ask

To enter this site you must be at least 18 years old.

I confirm I am over 18

By clicking enter, I certify that I am over the age of 18.