Dandelion Vineyards was founded in 2007 by Zar and Elena Brooks in partnership with the Lindner and Rey families, drawing on premium fruit from across South Australia's best regions — McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Eden Valley, Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula. Bulgarian-born winemaker Elena Brooks, who trained in Spain, Italy and Bulgaria before arriving in Australia, leads the winemaking. The estate's centrepiece is Firehawk Farm, a 60-acre biodynamic property perched atop an ancient ridge overlooking McLaren Vale and the Gulf of St Vincent, planted to Shiraz, Grenache and Petite Sirah. Key wines include the 'Lioness of McLaren Vale' Shiraz, the Grenache-led 'Menagerie of the Barossa' field blend, and the 'Lion's Tooth' Shiraz Riesling — for which Elena was crowned McLaren Vale Bushing Queen in 2021. Dandelion Vineyards is a member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia and is working toward formal certification.
Dandelion's Firehawk Farm in McLaren Vale is farmed biodynamically. The broader operation is a member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia and is working toward formal certification, though full certified-organic status had not been claimed at time of listing.
Signature wines include the 'Lioness of McLaren Vale' Shiraz, the Grenache-dominant 'Menagerie of the Barossa' field blend, and the 'Lion's Tooth' McLaren Vale Shiraz Riesling, which won Elena Brooks the McLaren Vale Bushing Queen title in 2021.
Dandelion draws fruit from McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Eden Valley, Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula, giving the portfolio a wide expression of South Australian terroir.
The cellar door is at 191 Chaffeys Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Contact them on +61 459 802 413 to confirm current opening hours before visiting.