The Next Era Begins.
Hello! We’re Kailee and Jaimee-lee Ledson, sisters with a shared vision to combine our love of winemaking and marketing/design in creating a wine label that honours our family’s legacy of grape growing.
Ledson Vineyards has been a dream long in the making, often imagined around the dinner table, so taking this leap is both exciting and a little surreal. This is a true multigenerational collaboration. We feel incredibly fortunate that our grandparents had the foresight to plant vines in the late ’90s, and our parents continued that vision with new plantings and years of dedication. Today, we have the privilege of making wine from those very vineyards.
Our mission is to honour the past 26 years of hard work by crafting wines that reflect the heart of our family vineyard - that you’ll truly love.
This is just the beginning for us, and we’re so grateful to have you along for the journey.
Generations Before Us.
First Generation
Our story began in 1950 when our great-grandfather purchased 120 acres in McLaren Vale. A high school science teacher and sheep farmer, he had a vision for the land that went beyond farming. Over the years, he planted numerous trees around the property, creating a natural border for the vineyards and providing homes for local wildlife.
Second Generation
The land was later passed on to our Nana and Papa, who took the next step in the family’s agricultural legacy. In the late 90s, they planted the first Shiraz vineyard, followed by a second one in the early 2000s. Our Nana & Papa are still out tending to those same vines most days.
Third Generation
Then onto our parents. Our dad grew up working the land, working in the vineyards from a young age. Alongside him was our mum, who worked just as tirelessly. It wasn’t uncommon for my sister and I to spend our weekends watching our parents drive the pickup tractors during vintage or walking the rows, removing water shoots from vine trunks. For 26 years, our family has had the privilege of being grape growers for some of the region's most well-known wineries.
Fourth Generation
For Kailee and I, wine and grape growing have been part of our lives for 24 and 25 years, respectively. Growing up in the industry, we knew early on that we never wanted to be far from it. As soon as we were old enough, we spent our weekends working in cellar doors - learning the craft, the culture, and what makes this industry so unique.
After school, my sister Kailee pursued her passion for winemaking by studying Viticulture & Oenology. In 2023, she earned her qualification as a winemaker from Adelaide University. She has been across the globe, refining her craft and developing her own wine style. She’s honed her skills in France at Chapoutier, in Tasmania with Bay of Fires, House of Arras & Moorilla, and right here in McLaren Vale at Hardy’s Tintara.
As for me, I completed a Bachelor of Business (Marketing & Design) and have worked with several well-known wineries in McLaren Vale. Over time, I’ve been learning the ropes in the vineyard from my parents and grandparents and it’s there that I’ve found my true passion. I’m excited to play a role in helping our family vineyards grow and evolve for the next generation.
Our Vineyards.
We believe that great wine begins in the vineyard with thoughtful & sustainable farming, a deep respect for the land, and a commitment to quality from the ground up.
1999 Shiraz Block
The very first vineyard planted by our grandparents in the late 1990s, this block sits on a gentle north-facing slope with rows running north to south. The soils are deep sandy loam, threaded with seams of tiny river stones and occasional ironstone spurs. Today, the vineyard is nearly dry-grown, requiring only minimal irrigation during extreme heat which produces fruit with purity, concentration, and character.
2000 Shiraz Block
A small but mighty site with just 14 rows, this block is planted east to west and gently rises to the east. The soils are heavy, dark loamy clay over Blanche Point limestone, which results in low yields, small bunches, and tiny berries. The fruit from this vineyard consistently delivers structure, depth, and complexity in the wines it produces.
Fiano Block
Grafted onto our original ‘S3’ Shiraz vines from the late 1990s, this block sits on deep sandy loam soils with rows running east to west. It’s Nana’s favourite vineyard, she still spends most days tending the vines.
Mourvèdre Block
Grafted onto Shiraz in 2024, this young vineyard is already showing incredible promise, thriving beautifully in its first stages. We’re excited about the potential for single-varietal expressions, possibly leaning toward a Monastrell style - as well as blends with our Shiraz and Grenache in the near future.
Nero d’Avola Block
Also grafted onto Shiraz in 2024, the Nero has taken off with remarkable vigour, keeping the family busy just keeping up with it. It’s quickly become Papa’s favourite, especially after tasting the fruit from its first season. The vines are thriving in our heavier soils and warm climate, much like their native Sicily. Expect exciting wines from this block starting in 2026.
Grenache Block
Planted in 2023 on a steep, south-facing sandy hillside, this block was established using cuttings from our neighbour’s vineyard. It’s already surpassed expectations, producing standout fruit in its first season. Look out for its debut in our upcoming rosé - a fresh, vibrant expression of site and variety.
Cinsault Block
Planted in 2023 using cuttings from the oldest known Cinsault vineyard in McLaren Vale, this young block carries the promise of heritage and character. We’re excited to see how it develops in the seasons to come.
