Science Meets Soul: The Story of Lethbridge Wines in Victoria

In the Moorabool Valley, a small, cool-climate sub-region of Geelong in Victoria, you'll find a winery that is the perfect marriage of scientific precision and winemaking passion. Lethbridge Wines is the creation of a husband and wife team, Ray Nadeson and Maree Collis, both of whom left careers as research scientists to pursue their dream of making world-class wine.

Their story began in 1996 when, with a friend, they purchased a vineyard site based on scientific principles—soil type, climate, and other indicators perfect for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Their scientific approach, however, is beautifully balanced with a deep respect for tradition and the environment. They practice organic and biodynamic methods, believing that a healthy, living soil is the key to producing grapes with great character. The winery itself is a testament to their philosophy, built from straw bales to create a natural, thermally-stable environment that mimics the traditional underground cellars of Europe.

Lethbridge is renowned for its dedication to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, crafting wines that are savory, balanced, and intensely expressive of their terroir. They also embrace a spirit of exploration, producing a diverse range of other wines under different labels, including "Between Five Bells" and "il Modo." Their wines are a must-try for anyone who appreciates the nuance of cool-climate varieties and the artistry of winemakers who are both creative and meticulous.