Wine
A family vision at Mountadam
The Brown family of Mountadam in Eden Valley is building on the legacy of its legendary founder.
When David and Jenni Brown purchased the Mountadam property in 2005, they were acquiring a slice of Eden Valley history. This unique site was established in 1972 by David Wynn, a legend of the Australian wine industry, who recognised the potential of the cool location elevated high above the township of Eden Valley. David named the property after his son Adam, who followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming the company winemaker in 1984.
David had a vision to sustainably manage his vineyards, which is shared by the Browns, who were also keen to restore Mountadam to family hands after a period of corporate ownership.
Since 2005, they’ve achieved this and more. As David Brown explains, “Over the past 16 years, we have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to purchase Mountadam farm and the High Eden vineyard on the Western side of High Eden Road. This gave us the opportunity to bring the original Mountadam site back together, reuniting the rich history of the three sites.”
The couple has also instilled a love of viticulture and winemaking in their two daughters, David explains. “Our children spent most of their teenage life here, so we have seen them be involved in so many facets of the winery and farm from a young age. Having them work with us has given them the chance to give their own input and ideas into the business.”
While younger daughter Sally is spreading her viticultural wings through experience at a Victorian winery, her sister Caitlin has been part of the Mountadam team since 2019. She brings experience gained in Germany and Australia, including vintages spent at Leeuwin Estate in Margaret River.
Along with David, Jenni and Caitlin, there’s cellar hand Tim Smart, and Lloyd Portis, who has been with Mountadam since its beginnings with David Wynn and still lives and works on the property.
The Eden Valley vineyards; Caitlin Brown is continuing the family focus.
Sustaining quality at Mountadam
The Mountadam crew is committed to David Wynn’s vision of sustainably managed vineyards and having Mountadam wines 100 per cent Estate grown is an important part of this aim.
As David Brown explains, “Being 100 per cent Estate grown gives us great freedom to focus on the environment and sustainability of the winery, vineyards and farm as a whole. It gives us control over the entire process from vine to bottle. We can easily manage the blocks and have the chance to incorporate the farm with the vineyard and winery.”
This helps lessen their impact on the environment, David continues. “We irrigate our vines with only catchment water, graze the sheep in the vineyards throughout winter and feed the grape marc to the cattle and sheep.”
Of course, this care can also be tasted in the quality of Mountadam wines, which beautifully express High Eden elegance and structure.