Family wine businesses need to evolve to thrive.
For more than 50 years Woodstock Wine Estate has been part of the fabric of McLaren Vale, evolving from a family vineyard into one of the region’s best-known wine and hospitality destinations.
The Blewitt Springs winery is entering a new chapter, with third-generation winemaker Peter Collett helping lead an evolution of the family business.
Woodstock’s story began in 1973, when Douglas Collett AM purchased the property following a career in the wine industry and earlier service as a World War II fighter pilot. His vision for premium South Australian table wine laid the foundations for the modern Woodstock business.
That vision was expanded by Doug’s son Scott Collett, who took over management in 1982 and helped establish Woodstock as a respected McLaren Vale wine brand and tourism destination.
Now Scott’s son Peter is carrying the family legacy forward after stepping into the winemaking role in 2022.
“Dad is still here all the time tending to the gardens, lawns and orchard,” Peter told the South Australian Wine Industry Association newsletter. “It’s still very much a family business, but we’re also evolving and looking at where we want to take Woodstock into the future.”
The transition to the next generation has coincided with a period of significant change for the business.
The transition to the next generation has coincided with a period of significant change for the business.
In 2024, Woodstock closed its long-running Coterie restaurant and undertook major renovations to transform the space into a larger cellar door focused more directly on wine experiences.
The new cellar door officially opened in November 2024 and now welcomes visitors seven days a week.
The estate has also introduced a more relaxed visitor offering through a partnership with Gin Long Canteen that features casual lawn dining, weekend live music and a strong family-friendly focus.
A wildlife sanctuary featuring rescue kangaroos, emus and native wildlife has become another point of difference for the property, alongside a playground and expansive lawns designed to encourage families to spend time at the venue.
“Not a lot of wineries in the area are so family friendly,” Peter said. “We’ve got the playground, the wildlife sanctuary and lots of open space, so parents can relax with a glass of wine while the kids can safely run around and enjoy themselves.”
The business has also diversified its on-site experiences, with brother Max Collett recently launching Trilby’s Chocolates at the Woodstock property.
In the winery, Peter is steering Woodstock toward a fresher, more contemporary wine style aligned with changing consumer preferences.
The 100% estate-grown portfolio has been refined, and Mediterranean varieties such as montepulciano and fiano are playing an increasingly important role.
“There’s definitely been a shift toward younger, fresher and lighter wines that are easier drinking,” Peter Collett said.
"The key is to capture these aspects in certain wines while not compromising the bold, rich style that our customers have grown to love. It is a subtle evolution."
The estate now comprises 100 acres of vineyards planted with seven grape varieties, with an ongoing focus on estate-grown wines and regional character.
The estate has also introduced a more relaxed visitor offering through a partnership with Gin Long Canteen that features casual lawn dining, weekend live music and a strong family-friendly focus.
A wildlife sanctuary featuring rescue kangaroos, emus and native wildlife has become another point of difference for the property, alongside a playground and expansive lawns designed to encourage families to spend time at the venue.
“Not a lot of wineries in the area are so family friendly,” Peter said. “We’ve got the playground, the wildlife sanctuary and lots of open space, so parents can relax with a glass of wine while the kids can safely run around and enjoy themselves.”
The business has also diversified its on-site experiences, with brother Max Collett recently launching Trilby’s Chocolates at the Woodstock property.
In the winery, Peter is steering Woodstock toward a fresher, more contemporary wine style aligned with changing consumer preferences.
The 100% estate-grown portfolio has been refined, and Mediterranean varieties such as montepulciano and fiano are playing an increasingly important role.
“There’s definitely been a shift toward younger, fresher and lighter wines that are easier drinking,” Peter Collett said.
"The key is to capture these aspects in certain wines while not compromising the bold, rich style that our customers have grown to love. It is a subtle evolution."
The estate now comprises 100 acres of vineyards planted with seven grape varieties, with an ongoing focus on estate-grown wines and regional character.
