There are places that exude natural beauty and elegance, a towering sense of history, an enduring set of values, a feeling of wonder. Bird in Hand is one such place. Set in South Australia, on some of the world’s oldest soils, it is an extraordinary destination full of ancient charm. Over two decades, it has become a cradle for passionate oenologists and lovers of life, art and culture.
Here, there is a sense of oneness with nature, a purposeful peace that emanates from the guiding philosophy of founders Andrew and Susie Nugent. As caretakers of a tender ecosystem, their brave vision frames Bird in Hand as a microcosm of the natural cycles of life, where the story in the soil becomes the inspiration for various manifestations of modern art and culture. Sustainability woven into the core of their identity, it is a story with a rich past, a bright future and an endless present, where innovative winemaking goes on against an exquisite natural backdrop.
Our story is told in our everyday vernacular, an ongoing artful exploration with nature at its core. Respecting the natural elements of the earth, we create new forms of beauty that encapsulate the holistic balance between revelry and reflection. Life at Bird in Hand is about light, space, form and joy; the give and the take, the interconnectedness to community that we reciprocate through the Bird in Hand foundation.
We celebrate the priceless asset of Australian indigenous culture while respectfully creating new traditions. We juxtapose the historical with the contemporary, the ancient with the modern. All along the way, simplicity is our north star, a portal to natural elegance and the key to a deep connection to the incredible location that we are so fortunate to call home.
The Woodside estate’s eighty fertile acres enjoy the seaside influence of the Gulf of St. Vincent complimented by the cloudiness of the Mount Lofty Ranges, to create a special diurnal temperature shift beloved by our grapes. The Bird in Hand private members’ club is home to creative and artistic individuals. The Woodside estate hosts exclusive member only culinary experiences, concerts and art soirees onsite. Bird in Hand has released plans for consultation on the next stage of the estate’s evolution to build one of the world’s leading wineries and becoming a pre-eminent international tourist destination showcasing elite South Australian wine, produce, art and culture.
Bird in Hand has expanded into Tasmania, having acquired a rugged stretch of coastline in Seymour on the east coast of Tasmania. Bordering the Douglas Apsley National Park, this folding Tasmanian landscape with a unique microclimate of growing conditions we have begun planting vines to produce exceptional quality fruit while nurturing corridors of wildlife to retain a self-regulating ecosystem. The 400-acre property rich in dolerite soils with a smattering of ironstone combined with negligible frost conditions in spring and extended slow ripening periods in autumn, make it ideal for growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. One hundred and fifty acres of the land will be planted under vine and in other areas, vegetation will be restored, and native shrubs and flaxes will be planted preserving biodiversity. Sustainability woven into the core of their identity, Bird in Hand plan to create a preeminent destination with ambitious land art traversing the ancient soils, a 37-acre dam to preserve the natural habitat creating an ecological haven.
What I love about winemaking is the aspirational side. The combination of agriculture and science and art – the ability to be creative while pursuing quality and excellence.
— Andrew Nugent, founder
Bird in hand is a family winery, literally and metaphorically. Andrew and Susie live on the grounds with their three children, Lalla, Edward and Oscar. Susie oversees the estate gardens and Lalla, Ted & Oscar have recently joined the team.
The larger Bird in Hand family includes the winemaking team, restaurant staff and marketing and events arm.
SARAH BURVILL
SENIOR WINEMAKER
Sarah has worked as a winemaker in many regions including Australia, New Zealand and France. Born and raised, now settled in the Adelaide Hills with her young family, Sarah has a passion for sparkling wine and a family hospitality background. She is a regular panel judge at Australian national wine shows.
SAM HARROP MW
CONSULTANT WINEMAKER
Harrop’s distinguished career spans more than 20 years and includes the prestigious Master of Wine (MW) qualification, held by only 412 individuals globally. He lends his wealth of experience to strengthen the brand’s goal of excellence in wine quality, sustainability, and artisanal winemaking.
