Peter Schell and Magali Gely came to Australia in the early 90s from New Zealand to study winemaking and marketing respectively. The Barossa and Eden Valleys have been their home ever since. Spinifex was established in 2001.

A strong French influence is part of the Spinifex DNA, with the couple spending much time in the South of France where Magali’s family (who up until recently were vignerons with a very long lineage in Lunel, near Montpellier) lives. Peter’s vintages in Languedoc, Provence and Bordeaux (six in total) have made an indelible impression on his winemaking.

“Our focus is on producing regional wines from Mediterranean varieties - predominately reds, mainly Mataro, Grenache, Shiraz and Cinsault. Our time in France has nursed our intrigue for the wines of the South over the years. That intrigue set the course for what we do at Spinifex.” - Peter & Magali