Paul and Kathy Drogemuller started with no experience or background in winemaking or viticulture, instead they saw opportunity and with hard work and vision, began an inspiring story of revival.
Paul and Kathy Drogemuller bought a burnt out dairy farm following the devastating Ash Wednesday bushfires at Paracombe in 1983. They established a vineyard during the vine pull scheme, people thought they were crazy, undeterred they were enthusiastic and keen to have a go.
They discovered the local area had a winemaking heritage dating back to mid 1800’s, a neighbouring property once had vineyard and winery and exported to England. They wanted to restore the region’s reputation for fine wine. Self taught in typical Aussie style, they started in a tin shed with a couple of second hand milk tanks, a small crusher and tractor driven, homemade basket press. Paracombe Wines was launched in 1992.
Outgrowing the shed, Paul designed and built a winery, underground cellars and stunning tasting facility. Today they have a great family business with son Ben now sharing their passion for producing Paracombe’s handcrafted, award-winning, wines.