Overview
The Beelgara Winery has a history that dates back over 80 years; Italian immigrants originally built it in 1930. The winery is near the village of Beelbangera, which is in the Riverina and one Australia's largest grape growing regions.
The name Beelgara is taken from the original name “Beelgara Vineyards” which is the proud and historical name for the vineyard sites that surround the winery even today.
The Beelgara Brand is recognisable by the circle logo first used in 2007. The philosophy of Relax-don't think so hard... reveals our truly Australian attitude that wine should be an affordable, everyday luxury that can be confidently enjoyed by anyone.
Beelgara is now one of Australia's top twenty largest wineries, with a complete range of wines from New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria. Beelgara Estate bottles all of its own wine to guarantee freshness, quality and consistency.
Rod Hooper – Winemaker
Rod Hooper is an accomplished winemaker with over 30 vintages to his name. A graduate of Roseworthy Agricultural College with a Bachelor of Oenology, Rod gained international winemaking experience with vintages in California, France and Germany.
Rod has worked as winemaker for Penfold's, Hardy's, Goundrey and Leasingham.
He was involved in the establishment of the Queensland wine industry in the mid 80s, and has also spent time judging several regional, state and national wine shows over the years.
Rod spent several years making wine at Charles Sturt University, where he taught wine making and viticulture.
Rod has spent the last decade realising his passion making preservative free and organic wines for his Macaw Creek brand. At last count he has won 30 trophies, including 51 gold, and more than 300 other medals.
"To make technically very good wines that have honest expressions of varietal fruit. That's my winemaking philosophy." – Rod Hooper
