Ochota Barrels (Adelaide Hills, SA)

Ochota Barrels is a winery based in the Basket Range of the Adelaide Hills in South Australia. The company was founded by Taras and Amber Ochota. The idea for the winery originated during a surf trip they took along the Mexican west coast in a Volkswagen campervan in 2000.

Taras Ochota, who had a background playing bass in punk bands, completed an Oenology degree at the University of Adelaide. He and Amber gained winemaking experience in various places around the world, including California, Italy, and Sweden. They were inspired by the small, biodynamic producers they encountered in the south of France.

The winery's philosophy centers on a "less is more" approach to winemaking, focusing on minimal intervention and a holistic approach from vineyard to bottle. This includes practicing organic farming, picking grapes early to retain natural acidity, and using wild, indigenous yeast for fermentation. The goal is to produce pure, vibrant, and elegant wines that express the vineyard's character. Many of their wines are named after punk bands and songs.

Taras Ochota passed away in 2020 after a lengthy battle with an autoimmune disease. His legacy is carried on by his wife Amber and their winemaking team, which includes Lucas Armstrong and Taras's father, Yari. Taras is widely regarded as an influential winemaker who challenged the perception of Australian wines by focusing on a fresher, more elegant style. His work has influenced a new generation of winemakers in Australia and his wines have a cult following worldwide.