Koerner Gamay 2023

Koerner Wines is the project of brothers Damon and Jono Koerner, based in the Clare Valley, South Australia. Their winemaking philosophy is simple but focused: to make wines that reflect their place and variety with clarity, freshness, and drinkability.

Working primarily with fruit from the Watervale sub-region of Clare, the Koerners champion both classic Clare varieties—Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec—as well as more adventurous plantings such as Vermentino, Sciaccarello, Grenache, and Carignan. The vineyards they source from are farmed with a strong emphasis on sustainable practices, minimal intervention, and maintaining vine health in the dry Clare climate.

In the winery, their approach is equally restrained. Grapes are often harvested early to preserve natural acidity, ferments are kept cool and spontaneous, and maturation is typically in neutral vessels—cement, ceramic, large old oak—rather than small new barriques. This results in wines that are bright, textural, and highly expressive of site, with a focus on perfume and structure over weight.

The Koerner brothers have become one of the most talked-about new-wave Australian producers, regularly receiving accolades for their innovative yet respectful take on Clare Valley terroir. Their range highlights the versatility of the region, showing that Clare can deliver not only the powerful Rieslings and reds it’s famous for, but also delicate, precise, and modern expressions that sit comfortably on the world stage.