Our Stories
Have you ever sat around enjoying a drink with your friends and imagined ‘What if we could…..??’.
Maree Collis and Ray Nadeson are not your average winemaker/owners of a boutique winery. Both were initially trained as research scientists and hold PhD degrees in chemistry and medicine, respectively. Mid career they made the decision to pursue their alternate passion and together with friend Adrian Thomas established Lethbridge Wines in 1996. Both Maree and Ray completed their winemaking degree at Charles Sturt University after which Ray concluded “winemaking is not really that different to science, both are creative and both involve 99% perspiration, 1% inspiration”.
Not surprisingly, the site at Lethbridge was selected based on scientific principles such as soil type, degree days and other climatic indicators, all perfectly suited to growing exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. After purchasing the property in Lethbridge, Ray and Maree discovered an ancient wooden fermentation vat in one of the old sheds. Further investigation revealed that site had originally been planted by Swiss vignerons in the 1870’s before the scourge of phylloxera decimated the Geelong wine region. This discovery forged a powerful link between traditional wisdom and modern science—an alignment that continues to define Lethbridge’s commitment to crafting world-class wines from these noble varieties.
After more than 25 years of crafting exceptional wine, Lethbridge Wines has earned a stellar reputation both in Australia and abroad. At the heart of their acclaim is a deep dedication to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Ray and Maree continues to refine these classic expressions, capturing the nuance of site and season with precision and soul. Their commitment to exploration has also given rise to distinctive offshoots: Between Five Bells, il Modo, and Nadeson Collis—each an extension of their relentless pursuit of authenticity and innovation.”
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As grapegrowers and winemakers, our story revolves around land: where grapes are grown and where our vineyard is located.
We have developed a special appreciation of where we live, and feel honoured to acknowledge the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants, and the traditional custodians of this land. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging.
The Lethbridge winery and vineyard are situated on the land of the Wathaurong people of the Kulin nation and we acknowledge that this land was never formally ceded.