Mike Press Wines

In ’98, Mike and Judy Press bought 34ha of land in Kenton Valley and planted merlot, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and pinot noir with intent to sell the fruit to other wine producers, but following a downturn in grape prices, instead established the Mike Press wine label. In ’17, they sold the vineyard and the business to Bob and Yuko Harris on the proviso the new owners maintain the brand’s reputation for high-quality wines at affordable prices. Today, the wines are made by Mike’s successor and mentee Josh Waechter from fruit grown on the original Kenton Valley Vineyard in the Adelaide Hills, but processed in a contract winemaking facility jointly established by the Harrises and Oliver’s Taranga in McLaren Vale in ’23 called Oliver & Press Winemakers. As promised, value remains at the core of the brand – rarely is a bottle priced above $20. -ANNA WEBSTER