News & Updates

Underground Winemakers was established in 2006 at Mt Eliza by former T’Gallant employees, Adrian Hennessy, Peter Stebbing, and Jonothan Stephens. At that time the venture had no resources other than a collective wine industry experience of over 30 years and a resourceful, hands on determination. The vision was simple; source the right grapes and make quality, approachable wines which are true to style and expressive of variety.

Following this philosophy, Underground is not restricted to a single region. The Mornington Peninsula provides Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, while Central and Northern Victoria supply Durif, Shiraz, Cabernet and Brown Muscat. All wines are made and bottled at the Mt Eliza Winery, giving Underground complete control over winemaking input. Packaging and presentation of the entire range is contemporary, designed to reflect both the quality of the wine and its individual character.

Recently featured in the Wine Companion Newsletter, James Halliday says “Stebbing, Hennessy, and Stephens have each made wine in Alsace, Burgundy, Northern Italy and Swan Hill. Each has extensive experience in the vineyards and wineries of the Mornington Peninsula. Their first step in 2004 was to lease a small winery at Mt Eliza that had closed years earlier, but still had a vineyard with some of the oldest plantings of pinot noir, pinot gris and chardonnay on the Peninsula. A one tonne basket press and a tiny crusher processed 100-150 tonnes of grapes in each of the first four vintages. Their portfolio is nothing if not eclectic.”

There is a large wine selection to choose from including: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Durif, Moscato, Cabernet Merlot and Shiraz.

Kennards Wine Storage top 4 Underground Wines

2008 Offspring Pinot Gris
True to the wines of Alsace with a touch of the Peninsula. We batonaged this wine to create complexity and generosity of the palate. Lifted floral nose with notes of jasmine. Voluptuous and beautifully balanced fruit and acid. Sensational varietal characters, great length.

2009 Underground Rose
Underground sourced premium Grenache to produce a fine Rose. Spicy flavours textured with earthy notes and balanced with soft tannins and the slightest touch of sweetness.

2008 Dr Durif
Over 100 years ago, the ambitious Dr Durif first propagated his hybrid vines. His monster lives on, filling the palate with lashings of blackcurrant, chocolate, liquorice and deep dark tannins. This wine will flourish with another 5 years in your cellar.

2008 Thug Pinot Noir
It is obvious from the big structure & bold flavours that this Pinot has had the royal treatment. Thug Pinot has a rich perfume of berry, undergrowth and mushroom. The palate is deep, like velvet and with great length.

Go to Underground Winemakers to learn more.

This Wine Feature was brought to you by Kennards Wine Storage.