Our
Story
A Journey of Grape Growing to the Art of Winemaking
Whistle Post Estate is family owned and operated, run by Brian, Jennifer, Angus and Heather Smibert.
The Smibert family has a rich history in the Coonawarra region, owning sheep and cattle farms for over 100 years.
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In 2007 the Smibert family purchased a piece of premium vineyard land on the famed Coonawarra strip, now known as the 'V&A Lane' Vineyard. The journey to wine making then begun in 2010, with small batch wine production helping to become familiar with the land. During this time we continued to growing premium fruit for local and well known Australian brands.
In 2012 the Whistle Post label was established and distribution began across Australia. Whistle Post expanded further in 2016 with the purchase of the 'McCrae' Vineyard site on the Riddoch Highway. Following renovations, our new home was opened in October 2017 and now gives visitors the opportunity to experience our wines and views over the vineyards.
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Whistle Post now has over 80ha of vineyard production in Coonawarra, with all wines made entirely from fruit sourced across the two vineyard sites.
The Whistle Post
Along the eastern edge of the V&A Lane Vineyard runs the old Coonawarra railway track. Active from the late 1800s until the 1980s the line was essential to the region’s trade and prosperity.
On the edge of the railway track stands a Whistle Post instructing trains to let off a warning whistle as they approached the nearby V&A Lane road crossing.
While the line is no longer in use, the Whistle Post can still be found along the tracks today.
The Whistle Post wine label recognises the significant role the railway played in the development of the region’s wine industry.
