Everything happens for a Riesling

When John and Marina Sekoranja travelled to John’s father’s home in Slovenia about a decade ago, little could they have imagined the way it would change their lives. John’s father had come to Australia during WWII when he was forced to flee his property and abandon the family vineyard to escape the communists. 

Now, as John surveyed this vineyard and winery in Slovenia, he felt compelled to continue the family winemaking tradition. On returning to Australia they jumped in with both feet, so to speak, immersing themselves in all things grapes and wine. After researching the local industry thoroughly, they both quit their jobs and went full in.

It was literally within an hour of John writing his resignation that they attended a Canberra Wine function and had a serendipitous encounter with Brian Johnston and Janet Johnson, owners of McKellar Ridge winery. The four formed a close bond that led to John and Marina working on the 2017 vintage alongside Brian and Janet, and then purchasing McKellar Ridge that same year. 

“John’s Slovenian family used traditional winemaking techniques and grew grapes in an environmentally sustainable way, which is what we have continued in our business at McKellar Ridge wines. Minimal intervention to ensure wines reflect pure fruit flavours, elegant acidity, gentle tannins,” says Marina, describing their winemaking approach.

McKellar Ridge is in the relatively young Murrumbateman wine region of Canberra, established in 1971. A former mining town, it’s located in the Yass valley and is picturesque and idyllic, with friendly locals and passionate producers. The region also hosts many artisan businesses including chocolatiers, cheese makers, alpacas and yarn producers, artists, a meadery and markets.

“Murrumbateman has always had a reputation for high quality cool climate wines, particularly our favourite varieties, riesling and shiraz, and the shiraz viognier,” says Marina. “It was exciting to join the passionate community of grape growers and wine producers, who are all knowledgeable, dedicated and so supportive to the wine community.”

With the spectacular Brindabella Mountains as a backdrop, McKellar Ridge vineyard is as rewarding to the eyes as its wines are to the palate. John and Marina certainly started their wine making business auspiciously, but luck wasn’t always going to go their way. 

“Mother Nature has been has been the biggest challenge to our journey — the loss of our entire grape harvest in 2020 due to smoke taint following the bush fires, and then the ensuing La Niña weather pattern caused great reductions in our yields with the cooler and wetter conditions,” says Marina. “However the challenges naturally present the opportunity to learn and grow in our sustainable vineyard management and winemaking craft. We are firm believers in working with nature and finding the silver linings in every “rain”cloud. Cooler weather produces wines of greater elegance, more versatility across a range of cuisines and lighter alcohol content which is highly desirable amongst many of our health conscious consumers.”

This grit and optimism has not only helped John and Marina survive hardships, but has helped them produce better wines; in 2021, 2022, 2023, they garnered awards for their shiraz’s in a number of shows. 

McKellar Ridge’s flagship wines are the shiraz and shiraz viognier, though they also have a popular Trio, a classic bordeaux blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc. They offer most varieties including burgundy, pinot noir, chardonnay, riesling and sauvignon blanc.  Their half-dry sauvignon blanc is another of their very popular wines.  

“Our wines are fruit forward, very versatile with cuisines and can be enjoyed after release or cellared for deeper complexity,” explains Marina. 

A visit to McKellar Ridge goes beyond picking up a few bottles of your favourite wine.

“We offer bespoke tasting experiences that can include vineyard and winery tours, barrel tastings and winery education,” says Marina. “We can provide gourmet grazing platters, cheese plates or picnic hampers (prior booking) to enhance the wine tasting experience of our guests.”

Accomodation is available at the Abode Murrumbateman or at numerous Airbnb in the area. Children and fur-babies are welcome and the property is wheelchair accessible.

McKellar Ridge will be the flag bearer for the Canberra wine region at this year’s Pyrmont Festival — the first winery from the area to attend the festival. So what are they planning to bring? 

“Barrels of enthusiasm for starters! In terms of wine we are excited to showcase our new vintages of sauvignon blanc, rosé, chardonnay, pinot noir, and two styles of shiraz. All classic cool climate wines that are elegant, fruit forward and delicious when paired with food or friends,” says Marina.

“We are also offering visitors attractive deals on wine purchases and visits to our cellar door. Visit our stall to find out more at the festival!”

www.mckellarridgewines.com.au

Pyrmont Festival

May 18 and 19, Pirrama Park, Pyrmont

pyrmontfestival.com.au