TOTINO ESTATE WINES
OUR STORY
Totino Wines began in 1998 when Don Totino purchased 25 acres of land in the Adelaide Hills. Over the past three decades, the Totino Vineyard has grown to include over 100 acres of land planted with 80 acres of vineyards. The vineyard has succeeded in consistently producing a range of complex and elegant wines including Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
Totino Wines represent wines with a European flair. Italian born owner, Don Totino migrated to Australia in 1968, at the age of 18. Don has a love of Italian culture particularly food and wine and has future to plant Italian grape varieties into Australian soil thus mixing the two cultures to give the perfect product.
The vineyard is situated in Paracombe, South Australia, northwest of the Mount Lofty Ranges, The vineyard is situated at an altitude of 420 metres above sea level. The evenings are cool during the growing seasons, maintaining acid levels promoting crisp fresh white wines and further enhancing elegant tannins and slow ripening in our super premium red varietals. The Vines are canopy managed and all are bi-laterally trained. Vertical shoot positioning husbandry has been adopted. Any supplementary irrigation required is applied through the managed dams and streams on property which capture the natural rain runoff that falls during the winter months. The vineyards are tended by hand, which Don believes is the only way to ensure optimum quality in the varied terrain. This approach to picking and pruning is evident in all Totino wines.
The climate at Totino Wines is well suited to both red and white varieties. The Vineyard is fed using Organic Manures and watered using the rainwater that the environment enriches the landscape with during winter.
The gentle slopes provide a perfect habitat for ducks, kangaroos, koalas, turtles and other small marsupials.
It is all part of a healthy bio diversity, nurturing healthy vines for healthy wines.
The first two Sparkling Wines from the vineyard, “Cartia” and “Alexia” were created and named to celebrate the arrival of Don’s grand-daughters Cartia and Alexia.
The 2018 Totino Estates Shiraz received “Runner Up” status in the World Shiraz Challenge organised by Wine State Magazine.
The “Francesco Reserve Shiraz” was created as the great potential of Shiraz was being recognised. The 2012 vintage was the first release followed by the 2014, which recently received “Top Gold” and top “100 Wines” awards at the Sydney International Wine Show 2019. “Francesco Reserve Shiraz” ” was named to honour Don’s late father’s and also his son.
In 2010 Totino Wines was awarded the “Best Alternative Red Wine” prize at the Adelaide Hills Regional Wine Show for the 2009 Totino Sangiovese. The SSC, a blend of Sangiovese, Shiraz and Cabernet showcasing all the red varietals planted in the vineyards, is beautifully balanced.
Totino Wines has a vast relationship with local charities and supports various youth and special needs programs including; Foundation 21; Dream Ride; Variety the Children’s Charity; Festival Theatre Youth development Program and local bushfire fundraiser events.
Totino Wines are exported to countries including China, Italy and Poland.
