Winery of the Month: EKIN Wine Co
This month we’re shining the spotlight on EKIN Wine Co, a South Australian producer built from the ground up by two people who know vineyards inside and out.
EKIN was founded by long-time viticulturists Mark Vella and Brad Case, who bring a combined 60 years of experience working across some of Australia’s key wine regions. The idea for EKIN began during the bumper 2021 vintage, when the pair found themselves helping growers find homes for high-quality fruit that might otherwise have been left on the vine. What started as mates helping mates quickly developed into an idea of their own: a wine label grounded in practical vineyard knowledge, strong grower relationships and a determination to make genuinely good wine.
Today, Mark and Brad work alongside winemaker Henry Borchardt, with the range focused largely on cool-climate Adelaide Hills fruit alongside a Sparkling Pinot Noir from Langhorne Creek. Their philosophy starts in the vineyard: grow the best fruit possible, understand each site and let that quality carry through into the finished wine.
The EKIN Range
EKIN Sparkling Pinot Noir – Langhorne Creek
Bright and refreshing, with red apple, white strawberry and yellow nectarine leading into grapefruit rind and a delicate hint of Turkish delight. A vibrant sparkling with plenty of fruit character and freshness.
EKIN Sauvignon Blanc – Adelaide Hills
Classic cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc with fresh aromas of cut grass, snap peas and white peach. Passionfruit comes through on the palate alongside a subtle struck-flint character, fresh acidity and a clean, dry finish.
EKIN Pinot Gris – Adelaide Hills
Fresh pear and quince meet almond meal and subtle pastry characters, with a touch of white pepper adding lift. Crisp and dry through the finish, but with enough texture to give the wine plenty of interest.
EKIN Chardonnay – Adelaide Hills
A balanced, modern Adelaide Hills Chardonnay showing cashew, stone fruit, lemon rind and honeydew melon. White pepper and saline minerality bring freshness and structure to the finish.
Bright raspberry, plum and strawberry aromas are joined by a distinctive hint of blueberry yoghurt. The palate is creamy yet fresh, with crisp red apple acidity and subtle flaky pastry and custard characters adding texture. Fruit is sourced from two Adelaide Hills vineyards, bringing different elements to the final blend.
EKIN Pinot Noir – Adelaide Hills
A fragrant and savoury Pinot Noir with macerated berries, pine and mint alongside cinnamon, cedar, nutmeg and lavender. Fine tannins give the wine shape without overwhelming its bright fruit character.
Juicy and vibrant, with raspberry, blueberry, violet and red cherry at the forefront. White pepper and subtle forest-floor characters bring a savoury edge, while the overall style remains fresh, bright and highly drinkable.
Why We Love EKIN
There’s an authenticity to EKIN that comes from having spent decades working directly with vineyards and growers. Mark and Brad describe themselves as “Wine People trying our hand at being Business People” rather than the other way around, and that attitude runs through the range.
These are approachable, varietally expressive wines built around good fruit and thoughtful viticulture. From crisp Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris through to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and the increasingly exciting Gamay, the range offers plenty of versatility for wine lists, retail shelves and by-the-glass programs.
