PARINGA ESTATE

Having a “wine epiphany” has become something of a cliché. For Lindsay McCall, this epiphany led to the creation of one of the finest wineries in Australia.

In 1984, Lindsay, then a geography teacher, purchased a neglected north-facing orchard in the heart of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula wine region. After clearing the land, he planted vines across the ten-acre property the following year. The first vintage, in 1987, produced only tiny yields and a very limited bottling. His first commercial release came in 1988, and true recognition soon followed when his 1990 Shiraz won a gold medal — an early sign of the estate’s remarkable potential.

By the late 1990s, Paringa Estate wines were collecting numerous awards and earning widespread critical acclaim. Lindsay became renowned for his exceptional skill across a range of styles, with particularly complex and age-worthy Pinot Noir and Shiraz leading the portfolio. His unwavering commitment to quality was formally recognised in 2007 when Paringa Estate was named “Best Winery in Australia” in the James Halliday Wine Companion.

In 2012, the next chapter of the estate’s story began when Lindsay’s son, Jamie, joined the winemaking team — a role he now leads. As one of the pioneering wineries of the Mornington Peninsula, Paringa Estate has firmly established itself as a benchmark producer and a standard-bearer for the region. The Paringa Estate Peninsula Pinot Noir captures the winery’s core philosophy and enduring commitment to excellence.