Mandala Wines

"Mandala has been a dream in our family for generations."

We always wanted a place to grow grapes, make our own wine and share it with friends and family.

So it really was a 'dream come true' when we planted our first ten acres of Pinot Noir rootlings in the Yarra Junction site in 1999.

Fast forward some very fruitful seven years and we were ready to expand.

But it was Nanna who sent the dream to Mum one mysterious night: a vision of the rolling hills, the dams, the vines and a place to sit at the end of the day taking in an endless view. Just one year on, the time was right and another dream became a reality.

We moved into Dixon's Creek, and together with the Yarra Junction vineyard, came full circle to create Mandala as we love it today.

As Yarra Valley as it gets

Our favourite wines lead us to the Yarra Valley region; Charles' love of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay made it the perfect choice.

The Yarra Valley is famous for its sublime cool climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but our vineyards also have established Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot vines too. With our sites only an hour from Melbourne, it really was the best place to unearth Mandala and make the wines we love to drink.

Today Mandala is thriving within its beautiful Yarra Valley country setting, where our kids play and older ones spend time together, tell stories and enjoy the good life.

Our mission

We want Mandala to be our legacy for the future generations, and to be indulged by whomever catches the wine bug - our place is your place.

Cheers!

Charles Smedley

Owner and Vigneron Charles Smedley has a serious passion for Pinot Noir, and over 34 years' experience in the wine industry - working in Australia, Europe and Asia across a range of senior production, retail and viticultural roles for international brands. Starting in kitchens at age 12, thenworking in the wine trade in England and Europe before returning to Australia and planting his first Pinot Noir vines 24 years ago, and it has become his passion. “Mandala has been a dream in our family for generations. We always wanted a place to grow grapes, make our own wine and share it with friends and family. Our fruit is hand-harvested and our wines are crafted to suit all tastes, preferences, and occasions.”

Rachel Gore

Unbeknown to many, Rachel has been involved with Mandala Wines for over 18 years, mostly behind the scenes assisting and advising various winemakers in a consulting capacity, and she has now moved out from behind the curtain to assert herself as a more prominent and visible part of the winemaking team.

After studying winemaking at the University of Adelaide, I headed to the US for 5 years, where I worked in the Sonoma Valley - I was lucky enough to have the role of research Oenologist/ Viticulturalist that involved investigation and implementation of new cultivars and varietals as well as extensive trials at Columbia Crest Winery.

Whilst this was an exciting and enlightening journey and broadened my knowledge tenfold, it was always nice to come home, and after stints in New Zealand, and back in Australia in a number of Senior Winemaking and Viticulture roles.  I am looking forward to continuing to work with Charles on the premium products that Mandala offers.