Sons of Eden takes its name from the two partners, Winemaker Corey Ryan and Viticulturist Simon Cowham, who both learned and refined their trades in the vineyards and cellars of Eden Valley. A trained Oenologist and self confessed wine tragic, Ryan lives and breathes winemaking and has amassed a wealth of winemaking experience across Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy and Spain. Most recently, Corey has consulted to several winemaking businesses in Australia and overseas, which have included Villa Maria and McWilliams Wine Group.
As Chief Winemaker for Villa Maria Estates, Ryan was bestowed New Zealand Winemaker of the Year by the Australasian publication Winestate in 2007. He is equally talented at crafting cool climate Pinot Noir as he is signature Barossa styles. It was, however, his time as Winemaker for the iconic Eden Valley producer Henschke that first whet his appetite for Barossa wines that has become his entrenched passion with Sons of Eden. Most comfortable with dirt under his finger nails and living in unison with his treasured vineyards, viticulturalist Simon Cowham’s work in crafting wines begins well before the first grapes are crushed.
Having completed his first vintage at the famous Tintara Winery in McLaren Vale in 1990 the passion was well and truly lit. A broad range of roles including sales in UK, clonal selection in Europe and policy development at the Winemakers Federation of Australia eventually led back to the vineyards and cellars of the Barossa.
As Viticulturist for Eden Valley producer Yalumba, Simon relished the opportunity to influence wine styles from the vineyard and set about really understanding the dynamics of vineyard site and its management. Today Cowham manages a large number of Barossa Valley and Eden Valley vineyard sites that grow fruit for not only Sons of Eden but also for some of the most recognised and respected wineries in the Barossa.
Sons of Eden specialises in varieties that the Barossa produces to the highest standard. Varieties such as Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvedre from the Barossa Valley and Riesling from the Eden Valley. Controlling the management and operation of the vineyards as well as implementing a blend of traditional and modern winemaking approaches has meant Sons of Eden is able to consistently craft wines of great quality.
The Sons of Eden Seppeltsfield vineyard is situated on a plateau on the north-western edge of the Barossa Valley with views out to the Gulf of St Vincent. A unique feature of this site is the cool westerly wind that originates like clockwork, in the early afternoon from the gulf during spring and the long summer months. This cooling effect lengthens the time for flavour and tannin development producing fruit with refinement and intensity. The Gomersal property is situated on the western edge of the Barossa Valley with an easterly aspect. By Barossa Valley standards this area is warm and dry, but afternoon sea breezes do increase humidity and drops the temperature in most afternoons - particularly during summer. The result is small berries packing heaps of flavour and tannin. This vineyard produces Shiraz for Kennedy GSM.
The Light Pass vineyard is situated on the eastern foothills of the Barossa Valley, giving it elevation above the valley floor. The old vine Shiraz from this property consistently produces fruit with layers of flavour and high colour, the basis of Romulus Shiraz. The old vine Grenache produces small berries, often thought to be a clonal characteristic, and abundant concentration of flavour. While the age of vines on the Sons of Eden Moppa site is not exactly known it is estimated to be be more than 40 years old. Moppa vineyard produces Shiraz for Romulus and Mourvedre for Kennedy GSM.
