Jessica and Rick Loan are small producers of a single estate, certified organic vineyard property nestled along Tanunda Creek, in the tiny hamlet of Bethany. Their neighbours include Turkey Flat with its ancient Shiraz vines, and the historic Chateau Tanunda out the back, and the Loans fit right in: their cellars were originally built in 1842.

Jessica and Rick have taken great pride in beautifully restoring the Loan family’s original property, raising their young family in the refurbished 166-year-old cottage while their organic wine ages gracefully in the cellars below. When you visit, you realise that there is something special here. Maybe it's the bees - all of that nature working together in harmony, with not a chemical in sight.

The Loans vineyard is 100% certified organic, and this seriousness flows through from the dry-grown vineyard to the handmade wines. No wonder Barossa icon Rockford has for many years purchased grapes from this healthy vineyard, where the vines are nurtured and hand- managed to allow the fruit to tell the story of each season.

Top of the pops is the Loan Raven’s Rose, produced from the prettily named Alicante Bouchet grape. At only 10% alcohol, this succulent wine with its fleshy berry flavours and hints of spice and chalkiness, is made for cavalier quaffing. -  Megan Lehmann

Jessica & Rick Loan