Winemaking Philosophy

Exceptional fruit means exceptional wine. Working closely with the viticultural team, Winemaker Marc van Halderen believes biodiversity is key, allowing the Eden Valley site and its stunning minerality to shine. With a site this special, flavour and balance are always within reach. The beauty of Heggies Vineyard is the cold, wet winters, mild, dry summers, and thin gravelly soils on well drained slopes. This climatic combination means low yields, and grapes with wonderful flavour intensity. With impressive winemaking style, Marc eases the wines into the modern era, while honouring the past. “Just because something has heritage and authenticity doesn't mean it's old fashioned,” he says. “The wines can also be cheeky and fun. There’s nothing fuddy duddy about them.” Instead, the wines are the epitome of care, balance and finesse. Gone are the days of 80s chardonnays, shoulder pads and permed hair. Marc is an old soul with a quirky edge and through thoughtful picking, spontaneous fermentation, select barrels, and ceramic eggs, the wines reflect that.

Marc van Halderen

South African-born, Marc has always dreamed big. As a youngster he aspired to be an accountant or rock star, but it was wine (and his Australian wife) that eventually stole his heart. Marc mastered the winemaking craft in his homeland, then France and now the Barossa where he considers himself fortunate to work magic with fruit from Heggies Vineyard. For all his global experience and accolades, Marc is a down to earth, approachable guy. If they’d had the chance to meet, it’s safe to say he and the late Colin Heggie would have got along just fine. When he’s not being serious about wine and continuing Heggies’ award-winning legacy, Marc loves to have fun. “A wine dinner with me is naughty and playful,” he says. “But there’s always a moment where I stop to acknowledge the great vision of Wyndham Hill-Smith and thank the family for paving the way and allowing me to make these wines.””