our story
Rooted in legacy and lifted by family and community spirit, Westmere Wines began in in 1998 with a single planting of Cabernet Sauvignon on our family farm nestled on the Southern edge of the Bool Lagoon wetlands, Limestone Coast Region of SA. Just 40kms west of the township of Penola, our vines grow in rich Terra Rossa soil over limestone – soil that has been part of our family story for five generations. First hand planted in 1998 by family and friends, our vines embody connection, care, and the belief that great wine starts with people.
Our Cabernet is known as ‘Barbs Block’ in honour of Jack ‘Barbs’ Kay, who continues to pour his energy, hard work, and heart into the establishment and nurturing of the vineyards. His dedication lives on in every vintage we bottle.
Alongside our estate Cabernet, we craft a beautifully balanced Riesling using fruit from the renowned Watervale region – famed for producing wines of purity, elegance and finesse.
In our family, wine has always been meant for sharing. The family phrase “never say when” passed down from Erica’s father (Jim DeGaris) captures the heart of Westmere: don’t wait for the perfect moment - create it. Our wines and our cellar door are an invitation to do just that. Today, Erica’s warmth, creativity, and flair for exceptional customer experience shape every part of our cellar door, ensuring each visit feels personal and memorable.
Visit us at our Penola Cellar Door and gift shop located in the historic Local Images building on the main street. It’s character-filled charm is the perfect backdrop for exploring our wines and our curated collection of handpicked gifts that celebrates the natural world and the artists who interpret it. Discover one-off bird sculptures handcrafted in Zimbabwe from scrap metal, locally made bird houses and feeders, garden sculptures, fascinating sea glass chimes, recycled wooden art and original paintings by local artists and unique pieces to suit every budget.
Each bottle of Westmere wine emerges from the land we love, the hands that tend it, and the moments we hope it helps you create.
Whether you are tasting our wine, discovering our unique gallery or relaxing in the cottage garden, we invite you to become part of our story.
Westmere Wines – made for sharing.
We look forward to welcoming you to our unique cellar door.
Erica and Jack Kay