Our Story

Semprevino was founded in 2006 by three university friends all passionate about discovering and drinking great wine. The name, “Semprevino" is the amalgamation of two Italian words and is loosely translated as “Always Wine”.  In 2012 the ownership of Semprevino was reduced to two founders - Winemaker Russell Schroder and Victorian based Simon Doak.  Russell’s wife Alissa is also deeply involved in the business.

Russell began his career as a successful engineer working extensively in Australia and Asia.  However the lure of wine and winemaking proved too great and Russell decided to pursue his passion and completed a Bachelor of Wine Science at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga.  From there Russell worked vintages in wineries in the Mornington Peninsula, Alpine Valleys and Barolo (Italy) before landing in McLaren Vale. It was the Barolo experience that cemented Russell’s love for Italian varietals and also where he met fellow Australian winemaker Stephen Pannell. It was this chance meeting that led Russell to Tinlins Winery in McLaren Vale where  high grade wine is produced under contract for many of Australia's premium and iconic brands.  That was over 10 years ago and Russell is now Senior Winemaker at Tinlins Winery where he has been able to establish strong relationships with growers, sourcing old vine grapes from select vineyards in McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills to craft wine that he loves, under the Semprevino label.

Semprevino wines are true to the origin of the grapes and express the character of both the variety and region in which they are grown.  Our current range includes Shiraz, GSM and Pinot Grigio all from McLaren Vale.  Subject to grape availability we also produce Nebbiolo and Riesling from the Adelaide Hills. Semprevino wines have been well received over time and have a full review history with reputable reviewers such as James Halliday and Huon Hooke.

Although we are years into our wine journey, in some ways it feels like we are just getting started...

Salute!