Winemaker - Sue Bell

Winemaker | Director | Optimist

Sue Bell is a deep thinking winemaker. Her wines are specifically selected climate appropriate varietal matches. Sue loves the classics but dabbles on the fringe with emerging Mediterranean varieties. Fragrance, texture, mouthfeel and lower alcohol are features of all her wines. Bellwether is a special place, that celebrates wine, nature, food, art, history and fun in equal measures, based in an 1868 stone shearing shed, it is a true reflection of the 'things that matter' to Sue. 

Acknowledging and celebrating the Aboriginal heritage of Australia and how that ethos is so aligned with the concept of making a product that expresses our landscape and seasons is a passion of Sue's. 

With a degree in Oenology from Adelaide Uni and some postgraduate studies in Viticulture,  she has worked for some of the smallest and biggest wine companies in the world. Over 27 years experience in many South Australian regions, Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales and California and Bordeaux.  Sue is an active player in the Australian wine community, having served on numerous industry boards at a regional, state and national level. A well respected palate, Sue was a Dux of the prestigious Len Evans Tutorial and regularly judges at wine shows, including having chaired regional and National shows.

Her wines have won numerous medals and trophies, she was named Australian Society of Viticulture & Oenology Winemaker of the year in 2014, nominated for Gourmet Traveller Winemaker of the year in 2021 and South Australian Woman of the year in 2024.  Sue is a proud graduate of the Australian Rural Leadership Program, saying it changed her life. A favourite moment was winning the blue ribbon for veggies at the Penola Show.  She can be found at Bellwether making wine, sour dough, gardening, cooking lamb or planning the next music gig or event.