Bondar Wines is the project of Andre Bondar and Selina Kelly, built from the ground up with a clear vision to produce wines that are pure, mid-weight, and deeply expressive of place. What began in 2013 with small parcels of hand-picked fruit has evolved into one of the most respected producers in McLaren Vale, known for wines that balance concentration with finesse.

At the heart of Bondar is the Rayner Vineyard, a historic site on Chalk Hill Road, straddling the Blewitt Springs and Seaview subregions. Planted in the 1950s, the vineyard is home to old vine Shiraz and Grenache, varieties that thrive in the region’s sandy soils. These deep sands, part of the Pirramimma sandstone geology, naturally produce wines with lifted aromatics, fine tannins, and a distinctive savoury edge, a style that defines Bondar’s approach.

The vineyard has been carefully expanded to include a diverse mix of varieties such as Counoise, Mataro, Carignan, Cinsault, and Sagrantino, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to both climate and site. Farming is guided by organic principles, with a strong emphasis on soil health, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability. Regenerative practices and vineyard stewardship play a key role in maintaining balance across the site.

In the winery, the philosophy is simple: let the vineyard lead. Winemaking is deliberately hands-off, with wild fermentations, minimal inputs, and techniques such as whole-bunch fermentation and extended time on skins used to build structure and complexity. Earlier picking also plays a role in maintaining freshness and balance, resulting in wines that are vibrant, textural, and finely tuned.

Andre’s background, including time in the Adelaide Hills and the Northern Rhône, informs the style, wines that are not only delicious, but also thoughtful and a little different. There is a clear intention to create wines that sit comfortably at the table, enhancing food and shared moments rather than overpowering them.

Bondar Wines represents a modern expression of McLaren Vale, one that respects the region’s history while pushing toward greater precision and drinkability. The wines are confident without being heavy, structured yet approachable, and always grounded in the character of the vineyard.