Nestled in the heart of Coonawarra’s famed terra rossa strip sits Brand’s Laira, an iconic winery known for some of the best cabernet sauvignon. Brand’s Laira is passionate about its products, sourcing the best possible fruit and combining it with skilled winemaking to create wines that are classically Coonawarra. The winery has been awarded many accolades and has recently won two gold at the China Wine and Spirits Awards in 2023 for the 2020 Blockers Cabernet Merlot and the 2019 Shiraz. The Blockers 2020 also won silver at the International Wine and Spirit Competition.

In 1893, Captain Henry Stentiford purchased a 24-hectare property in the middle of the terra rossa strip and planted fifteen rows of shiraz. Some 50 years later, Eric Brand came to own the property and produced the first vintage under the Brand’s Laira name in 1966. Today the winery owns three vineyards. The Laira vineyard is where Captain Stentiford first planted his vines which still produce fruit today. This vineyard, unsurprisingly, produces the award-winning Stentiford’s Shiraz and other top-of-the-range reds found in Brand’s Laira’s portfolio. The winery also has a 165-hectare block titled ‘Station vineyard’ that forms the basis of the Laira range and the Kirkgate vineyard.

Brand’s Laira’s cellar door is situated at the site of Eric Brand’s Shed, which was the original cellar door of the winery. A recent state-of-the-art refurbishment has preserved its classic features while updating it to offer guests a refined and authentic experience that can be enjoyed all year around. The expansive interior now includes a modern indoor dining area, lounge and fireplace while floor-to-ceiling windows provide views of the vineyards and open out to the alfresco outdoor area and lawn. Brand’s Laira offers a wide range of tastings at its cellar door to best showcase the region’s flavours. The winery recommends booking the full range to get the most out of the experience.

The winery also has an online shop and the option to join the Brand’s Laira Wine Club. As a member of the Wine Club, you will enjoy the finest wines from Coonawarra as well as exclusive offers and member benefits. The club offers three packages – mixed wine, white wine and red wine – so you can choose a club package that suits your personal preferences. The packages are handpicked by Brand’s Laira’s winemakers, ensuring the highest quality and offering a personal touch to the deliveries you receive.