The S.C.Pannell label was established by Steve and wife Fiona in 2004. It could be said though, that Steve’s journey to winemaking really dates back to 1969. This is where, as a toddler he grew up on one of Australia’s most iconic boutique wineries, Moss Wood in Margaret River. He earned his stripes working with some Australia’s iconic wineries including Wirra Wirra, Hardy’s Tintara and BRL Hardy, where he was Chief Red Winemaker from 1999 to 2003. He has worked numerous overseas vintages at such places as Domaine des Comtes Lafon in Burgundy, Chateau Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux and G.D. Vajra in Barolo. S.C.Pannell winery was realised to focus on Stephen’s passion for the McLaren Vale region and its ability to produce dry – grown and environmentally sustainable Shiraz and Grenache. Its quest is for great “wines that are grown, not made” – wines that are delicious, that taste of where they’re from and that are a natural partner for the food and lifestyle of their home. Career highlights include: International Red Winemaker of the year at the International Wine Challenge 1999, Gourmet Traveller Winemaker of the year in 2015, and being named one of the 50 most influential contributors to the world of wine by Decanter Magazine. Steve has also received accolades from international wine writers such as “one of the greatest Australian winemakers ever to make wine in our age.

Accolades & Awards