Commune of Buttons (Adelaide Hills, SA)

The winemakers behind Commune of Buttons are siblings Jasper and Sophie Button. They are at the heart of the Adelaide Hills' natural wine movement, known for their minimal-intervention approach and dedication to showcasing the unique terroir of their family's vineyard in the Basket Range.

The story of Commune of Buttons began 30 years ago when the Button family planted vines on their property, "Fernglen," in the Basket Range. What was once farmland became a 3.5-hectare vineyard with a mix of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines. For years, the family's grapes were sold to other producers. However, in the early 2010s, Jasper and Sophie, after returning to their family home, decided to start making their own wine.

Inspired by the vibrant natural wine community in Basket Range and Jasper's experiences working vintages in Europe, particularly in Burgundy and Beaujolais, the siblings embraced a minimal-intervention philosophy. They practice organic and biodynamic viticulture (though not officially certified), with a strong focus on soil regeneration and dry farming. This hands-on approach in the vineyard is central to their belief that great wine starts with healthy grapes.

In the cellar, their approach is equally considered. They use native yeasts for fermentation, and the wines are bottled by gravity with only a small amount of sulfur added when necessary. This meticulous process results in wines that are delicate, expressive, and brimming with a "deep sense of place," as described by winemaker Jasper Button. Their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines, in particular, have earned a strong reputation among connoisseurs of natural wine.