Cleopatra Wines
The Story of Persephone ( Cleopatra Wines )
The journey of Persephone Wines ( Cleopatra Wines ) is not just about a vineyard and a bottle; it's about a story—one written by Rachel Signer. A natural wine journalist and the founder of the esteemed Pipette Magazine, Rachel has spent her career traveling the world, documenting the stories of vignerons who share her passion for organic farming and honest winemaking.
After years of writing about the natural wine movement, she decided to get her hands dirty and tell her own story through wine. Persephone Wines is the culmination of that journey. Based in the beautiful Adelaide Hills in South Australia, Rachel and her husband, winemaker Anton Von Klopper, work with a small, precious amount of fruit to create wines that are as vibrant and expressive as her writing.
The name "Persephone" itself is a nod to the Greek goddess of spring, symbolizing a deep connection to the earth and the cycle of seasons. This is no surprise, given Rachel's philosophy. Her wines are a true reflection of the minimal-intervention ethos she champions in her magazine. All grapes are farmed organically, and the winemaking process is simple and pure—often relying on natural yeasts with nothing added and nothing taken away.
Persephone's wines are known for being fun, easy-going, and interesting. Her small production includes a variety of grapes, such as Gamay, Cabernet Franc, and Semillon. Each bottle is a snapshot of her personal winemaking vision: to produce a lively, soulful wine that is both a pleasure to drink and a testament to the power of a hands-on, natural approach. For those who follow the world of natural wine, Persephone is a must-try—a writer's wine that speaks a beautiful, compelling truth.
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Cleopatra Wines (formerly Persephone) Website: The most direct way to get updates or potentially purchase wines.
Specialty Wine Shops: These are your best bet for finding bottles. Look for online or physical retailers that specialize in Australian natural wine. Some examples of distributors and retailers who have carried their wines include:
Not Wasted: An Australian online store that has a section for Cleopatra Wines.