Corduroy is the mastermind and vision of Phil LeMessurier. For the past 20 years, he has fine-tuned his craft, completing his degree in Oenology before going to work with the likes of Domain Drouin in Oregon, Wirra Wirra in McLaren Vale, Vineyard 29 in the Napa, Paul Jaboulet in the Rhone Valley, David Duband in Burgundy and Brokenwood in the Hunter.
Phil began Corduroy in 2009 as a side project and
it has since evolved into a boutique and highly respected brand that showcases the best that the Adelaide Hills and Clare Valley have to offer.
Corduroy’s name originated from ‘corduroy lines’, a series of long-formed waves moving purposefully from the horizon to the shore – a pure gift of mother nature. It’s this natural process that sparked Phil’s love affair with what nature provides and how we utilise it.
‘What I love about winemaking is that we rely on something bigger than our own hands and minds to make the magic. We rely on the forces of nature – soil, plant, aspect, temperature, water, light – a blend of elements working together; even when we’re not watching. If I can observe, learn and understand what nature presents to us and then distill that into a glass to be enjoyed – then I have completed my craft’. Phil LeMessueier. Creator and Winemaker.
SUSTAINABILITY.
Corduroy sources fruit from vineyards across the Clare Valley and Adelaide Hills which are continually moving towards increasing their biodiversity and the conservation of the natural ecosystems with a goal to maintain and promote soil health and natural pest control, including Morialta Park in the Adelaide Hills who has a strong plan for conversion to biodynamic farming in the coming vintages.
From 2022 all Corduroy wines will be made in their new facility at Mosquito Hill vineyard on the Fleurieu Peninsula, which is now completely off the grid and fuelled by solar. This new lease leads to an exciting new project for Corduroy and the ability to have full control of farming practices, including moving towards greater organic and natural inputs, cultivation of cover crops and grazing sheep for weed control and fertility, as well as the use of compost and mulch to help stimulate soil health
and reduce water use and loss.