Simon Hackett Wines

Background & Info

Simon Hackett Wines is a boutique winery based in McLaren Vale, one of Australia’s most renowned wine regions. Founder and winemaker Simon Hackett comes from a family with four generations of winemaking expertise. His career began with an apprenticeship under the legendary Peter Lehmann at Saltram Winery in the Barossa Valley, next to the Hackett family home. He later worked at the Southern Vales Co-operative Winery (now Tatachilla Wines), refining his craft under Grant Burge and Ian Wilson, both of whom went on to become key figures in the Australian wine industry.

In 1984, Simon Hackett Wines was established, originally as a small-scale operation producing limited batches for private enjoyment. However, demand quickly grew, and before long, it evolved into a full-time winery, producing high-quality, handcrafted wines. A major milestone came in 1998 when Simon acquired the former Taranga winery in McLaren Vale, giving him complete control over the winemaking process and enabling further improvements in quality.

The winery operates with around 8 hectares of estate vineyards, while also sourcing grapes from trusted growers in McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, and Adelaide Hills, covering a further 32 hectares. Production remains relatively small, rarely exceeding 10,000 cases per year, ensuring a focus on quality over quantity. Hackett’s winemaking philosophy is deeply traditional, using open-top fermentation and ageing in a mix of French and American oak barrels to create wines with depth, balance, and character.

At Cheers, you’ll find a fantastic selection of Simon Hackett wines, including the rich and full-bodied Special Reserve Shiraz, the vibrant Brightview Chardonnay, the smooth Hills View Cabernet Sauvignon, and the fruit-forward Big Rivers Grenache. Whether you’re a fan of bold Australian reds or elegant whites, Simon Hackett Wines offers something truly special.