Woodstock Wines - An Australian winery with a rich tradition and of the best quality

It's time to introduce you to Woodstock Wine Estate. Woodstock wines have always been among the most popular wines from the Wyhus Ryf range, and for good reason. In several articles, we will tell you about the tradition and innovation of this family-run winery. In this article, we introduce you to Woodstock's winemaker, Scott Collett. Read on for many interesting background facts about Woodstock Wines. Our daughter Carla has also been living in Australia for several years and works at Woodstock Wines. She caught Scott in a quiet moment and conducted an amusing interview with him.

And don't forget: Meet Scott Collett in person at the EXPOVINA Wine Ships in Zurich. You read that right, Scott is coming all the way from Australia to Zurich just for you, so don't miss this unique opportunity and visit us at EXPOVINA!

Woodstock Wines from McLaren Vale

The original Woodstock winery was named by English settlers after their hometown of Woodstock near Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, England. Woodstock Estate winemaker Scott Collett was born in Berri, South Australia, and grew up following in the footsteps of his father Doug Collett, a pioneer in the wine industry. After graduating with a degree in oenology from Roseworthy, Scott gained experience as a winemaker in South Australia, New South Wales, California, Italy, and Germany before returning to Woodstock Estate in 1982.

Winemaker of the Year and Bushing King Crown Winner

The Collett family bought the "Woodstock" estate in 1973, replanted many older vines, and established the winery the following year, 1974. Scott created the Woodstock label, specializing in the production of high-quality bottled table wine. In 1986, he won the Bushing King Crown for the best wine in the region and was named South Australian Winemaker of the Year.

Shiraz Vines from 1900 - Woodstock's 'The Stocks'

Due to this success, Scott bought several neighboring vineyards in 1988, including a single vineyard with Shiraz vines planted in 1900. Scott still personally tends these majestic vines, which exclusively provide the fruit for our flagship Woodstock 'The Stocks' Shiraz. Living with these vines on the estate, Scott knows when the berries are at their best and when they need to be harvested.

Scott Collett's Philosophy

Scott's philosophy in winemaking is simple: "To create and preserve the best aromas in generous quality wines. It begins in the vineyard and ends in the glass and requires attention to detail at every stage." We would readily endorse that.

Our daughter Carla works at the winery in Australia with Scott Collett and his family. We at Wyhus Ryf actually know all our winemakers in Australia personally, and often our relationship extends beyond business. This is also the case with Scott and his family. Read the short and amusing interview Carla conducted with Scott during a quiet moment, and then watch the video below.

Carla Eichmann: Scott, we already talked last year about you employing your sons Max and Peter in the Woodstock company. Are you retired yet?

Scott Collett: I've always owned Woodstock, not the other way around. That's how it's always been. But now that I've handed the business over to my sons, I'm employed by them. I'm still around, but the boys are in charge now, and they're doing a great job.

C: We've already informed some of our customers that you'll be present on the wine ships in Zurich throughout the Expovina. How will you prepare for such a demanding period?

S: I've ordered expensive heated socks, which I hope will keep me warm.

C: The most popular Woodstock wine in Switzerland is Woodstock 'The Stocks'. How would you explain the secret of this wine yourself?

S: The secret is the 120-year-old vines! Nothing is added to the wine; it's about capturing the aromas that develop thanks to the special soil in this particular vineyard. The number of bottles is smaller, but there's even more flavor!

Scott Collett and Beat Eichmann of Wyhus Ryf share a long-standing friendship.

C: You walk into a bar and have to put on the jukebox. Which song would you choose?

S: "Start Me Up" by the Rolling Stones.

C: What advice would you give your 30-year-younger self?

S: Be kind to your friends, your family, and your knees. They're very hard to replace – especially the knees ;)!

C: Thank you, Scott, for your time, and we look forward to having you with us at EXPOVINA in Zurich!

To conclude this first article about Woodstock Wines, here's a short film with beautiful impressions from McLaren Vale.