Ellen is a member of the Family Business Association (FBA) and through their forums and functions she’s had the pleasure of meeting Corrina (Winemaker and Director) and Brioni (Operations Manager) from Oliver’s – two thirds of the cousin crew primarily responsible for running the business.

The Oliver family have owned their vineyard in beautiful McLaren Vale for six generations. That’s a stubborn devotion to winemaking in the region and something the trio is fiercely proud of and keen to celebrate rather than leave behind.

Time to don the imaginary tails and cue up Peter Allen… (Everything old is new again)

Don’t throw the past away,
You might need it some rainy day
Dreams can come true again,
When everything old is new again

Chatting with Corrina and Brioni, Ellen discovered their passion and plans for a new cellar door design that would celebrate the rich history of the business, while ushering in a new feel and experience for the customers.

They had a vision to turn the 170-year-old original cottage (which housed the original cellar door) into one of the private tasting rooms. And the idea was to make the new extension able to host 100 people outside for various wine and food events – including the beloved Porchetta Party.

The brief to us was very clear: represent the period, age, and history of Oliver’s Taranga. We were also asked to combine industrial functionality with a rustic charm. In essence, whatever we put in needed to be complemented by the old and existing structures.

This would include vast benchtops and serving spaces for functions. A main tasting room that included all the mod cons without them feeling out of place. Plus, an open plan that also incorporated cosy warm spaces.

There was a definite mood they wanted to create – sophisticated and stylish, yet humble and traditional. And somehow everything needed to feel cohesive and link together, from the merchandise area and seating to the bathroom vanities, three private tasting rooms and office joinery.

There was a request for stone bench tops with brass elements, and for black and jarrah timber. The jarrah was particularly significant as it would give a tip of the hat to the past.

Proving again the strong sense of family at Olivers, we were asked to create an inviting space for all ages to enjoy – one that is timeless so it can meet the needs of their customers well into the future.

What a joy this project was. Working with the Olivers family, as well as their builder Dean Wyly, was an absolute pleasure. They’re incredible communicators. Thanks also to Marcus from Little Road Studio who handled the selections of all the fixtures, soft furnishings, and fittings to complement the space. Together, we had everything old looking new again, in just the right way.

Let’s start with the materials. The jarrah timber species was selected for its rich colour and as a nod to the timber used in the original tasting area. Its bold plum hues provide a tonal reflection of wine, making it a great choice to use for all feature elements.

Because a cellar door is busy and hands will be wet and dirty at times, we used black clean-touch cabinet fronts and steelwork which also provide a contrast to the jarrah allowing it to pop and become the hero it deserves to be. On a practical note, these cabinets contain nanotechnology and anti-fingerprint properties and are very easy to clean.

Knowing that the serving spaces are going to get a workout, we chose Dekton stone bench tops for their durability, stain and scratch resistance and imperviousness to heat. We used curved edges to soften the spaces and provide an easy flow. And we introduced a variety of comfortable seating booths to provide a cosy intimate feel and a relaxed vibe. Let’s face it, sometimes you want to enjoy your wine in relative peace.

Brass elements were used for handles and as a shadow line accessorising the furniture, much like a great piece of jewellery. The semi-circular handles are somehow old-worldly and contemporary simultaneously, reflecting that fusion of old and new. Taps and fittings likewise. Everything feels austere but accessible, funky but not informal, sleek but traditional. Up amongst the shelving there’s space for nick-nacks to pose, plant life to breathe and family photos to feature with pride.

We think the new fit-out is both pared back and refined, and it reflects the level of detail and precision you find in a great winemaker. Without a doubt, our favourite part is the 11m long front tasting bar with its textural repetitive element of curvaceous jarrah ribbing. A special thanks must go to Kelvin from our manufacturing team who painstakingly fitted this for us.

Thanks also to McConnells Upholstery and the contributions of Ideal Stone, Wood’n’Doors and SA Fabricators who were essential to the project coming together.

It’s certainly worth mentioning that in keeping with the grit of their forefathers, the Olivers decided to forge ahead with this massive project despite the uncertainty of COVID times. They secured part-funding through SATC’s Tourism Development Grant and set their eyes on creating a good news story to tell on the other side of the pandemic. And create they did.

William Oliver would be so proud. He may have sailed here from Scotland, surviving on not more than dry biscuits and suet (no wonder he turned to wine!), but carving out a positive story amid a pandemic is no mean feat.

And just in case you didn’t know, Peter Allen is even more famous for his song I Still Call Australia Home. There’s something kind of fitting about that song in this environment too. We get the feeling the Olivers will still call this place home for many generations to come.