Andre Bondar on 10 Years of Bondar Wines & What’s Next...

In this episode, we sit down with Andre Bondar of Bondar Wines - one of the winemakers currently reshaping the face of McLaren Vale wine. On a sunny afternoon during vintage, we stole a little of Andre's time to chat all things Bondar.

We talk through the evolution of the Bondar project, the magic of Blewitt Springs Grenache, serious rosé, restrained Shiraz, and why “more” isn’t always better. Plus, a look ahead to their new Hope Springs Eternal releases.

We love what Andre and Selina have built. It's everything that's awesome about small independent producers in Australia. One of Australia’s most thoughtful winemakers, in great form. We hope you enjoy!

SHOP BONDAR:
https://www.differentdrop.com/collect...

00:00 – Intro & setting the scene
01:10 – How Bondar Wines began
03:20 – The importance of site: Rayner Vineyard & Blewitt Springs
05:45 – What makes Grenache special in the Vale
08:10 – Winemaking approach: restraint, texture & drinkability
10:05 – Refining the range: from early days to now
12:40 – The Bondar Rosé – structure, ageing, and seriousness
15:20 – Shiraz from Rayner – style, evolution, future
18:10 – Introducing Hope Springs Eternal – new top-tier cuvées
21:00 – Chardonnay passion project – Rathbone & the Hills fruit
24:00 – Growth philosophy – no expansion for the sake of it
26:30 – Farming, sustainability & staying hands-on
28:50 – The next 10 years: what comes next for Bondar
30:00 – Wrap-up – reflections on the journey so far

Please like and subscribe and tell us if you've loved a Bondar wine in the past or some other McLaren Vale producers you'd like us to visit!