Our Story
Woodstock's founder, Doug Collett A.M. discovered a taste for wine whilst serving as a pilot for the Royal Australian Air Force, and the Royal Air Force in North Africa, Syria, Palestine and Italy. As a reconnaissance and fighter pilot in Spitfires, Hurricanes and lighter aircraft, Doug observed the vast vineyards of Europe and developed an interest in wine.
After studying Oenology at Roseworthy Agricultural College after the war, Doug soon took charge of Australia's biggest winery at Berri in South Australia's Riverland. Doug developed a special regard for the McLaren Vale region, its climate, natural beauty, its full-bodied wines and their rich middle palate flavour.
The Collett family bought the Woodstock property in 1973 and quickly built a modest winery crushing its first vintage in 1974. Doug and Mary Collett's middle son Scott took over at Woodstock in 1982 after gaining a winemaking degree and varied winemaking experience in Australia, Europe and California.
Scott started the " Woodstock" brand in 1983 by releasing selected premium wines under the Woodstock label. Tasting success, Scott increased production and sales and in 1988, Scott and Anne Collett purchased neighbouring vineyards and built the Coterie.
Believing in the natural partnership between fine wines and good food, the Woodstock Coterie was built to serve visiting groups of friends (coteries) with fine food and wines. Click Woodstock Coterie for more information.
