Australian wine has made big strides in recent years. There has been a push from small producers focused on exploring and sharing the diversity of Australian terroir to prove that their country should be known for more than just bulk-wine. Sam Coverdale, is one of those producers helping to push things forward, and we’re very happy to help share in the mission.

Sam began his career at just 18 as a vintage cellar hand at Tyrrell’s. After university, Sam joined Hardy’s, gaining experience across various Australian wine regions, then further honed his skills in Spain, Italy, and France, learning from renowned experts like Jean-Marc Lafage.

Having grown up surfing the beaches of northern New South Wales and South East Queensland, Sam was drawn to the beauty of the Mornington Peninsula, with its vineyards, surf beaches, and proximity to Melbourne, so he established Polperro there in 2006. Polperro is a holistic estate. The organic farm, winery, guest houses, yoga studio and restaurant all work together to showcase the magnificence of the land. 

The Mornington Peninsula region boasts diverse soils and the cooling influence of Port Phillip and Westernport Bay. This combined with ideal elevation and aspect, creates perfect conditions for growing cool-climate grapes like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris. The rows of Syrah planted in this area tend to produce wines with more restraint and old world similarities in contrast to when planted in warmer Australian regions like Barossa. 

Polperro’s bottlings are made exclusively from the estate’s 9 different vineyards. Sam’s holistic philosophy carries through in his work in the vineyards where he is focused on regenerative agriculture and uses a mix of organic, biodynamic and biological practices to ensure the vineyards yield optimal fruit. In addition to Polperro’s estate wines, Sam produces an every-day label called Even Keel. These wines are carefully crafted from the fruit of trusted growers that also focus on showcasing the strengths of Australia’s cool-climates.