Bay of Shoals Wines has a rich history. It was originally known as Reeves Farm, which was part of one of the first land settlements in South Australia, Reeves Point. Dr. John Willoughby planted the first rootling vines in 1993, and Bay of Shoals Wines has been under his attentive ownership ever since.

The vineyard now boasts 15-hectares under vine, producing crisp, clean white wines that develop intensity through the maritime climate, and medium-bodied, fruit-intense reds, including pinot noir and shiraz. These wines are a true reflection of the fruit characters of each variety grown in the vineyard, and are an authentic Kangaroo Island product, where grapes are grown, harvested and made into wine on-site.

Bay of Shoals Wines combines stunning sea views overlooking the bay with some beautiful wines for a flawless experience, with outdoor seating areas set up where visitors can marvel in the spectacular views. The riesling vines are thought to be the closest to the ocean in the Southern Hemisphere, at around 30-metres to the water’s edge.

The winery’s bayside location perfectly complements Dr Willoughby’s passion for sailing. The wine enthusiast and accomplished sailor won the Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster competition in 2010 on his yacht Enchantress. Embodying this, there are many unique and interesting references to sailing and the sea in the cellar door and around the winery, such as old sailing charts and boats.

Aside from tasting the vineyard’s impressive varieties, you can shop for local Kangaroo Island products at the cellar door, from honey to relishes, olives, soaps and candles. If you’re feeling hungry, you can build your own hamper lunch or enjoy a seafood platter, ordered in locally from Kangaroo Island Fresh Seafoods, to have as a picnic on the beautiful grounds. Bay of Shoals Wines also offers accommodation through its lovely holiday rental, Cordes House, as well as glamping tents set up on the property by Wandering Souls.

The James Halliday Wine Companion has rated many of the winery’s unique varieties highly, including the 2019 Savagnin awarded with 95 points and the 2019 Riesling awarded with 90 points in the recent 2021 companion, plus the 2020 Arinto, awarded 92 points in the 2022 Companion.