Where do we come from?
With no family history in winemaking, the winery was built from the ground up. Scraping and scrapping for tanks and equipment, the constant innovating to make tools or equipment that we couldn’t afford to buy, defines us as our brand. In hindsight, starting a winery from scratch is hard work, particularly with no family ‘hand me down’ property or equipment.
Over the years, we have invested back into our business to buy new equipment to allow us to expand and make more of the wines we like to drink, and know you will too.
However, we still love to make our tools and equipment!!
Today, we are producing a number of traditional, lo-fi and experimental wines and selling in several markets across Australia and internationally.
Inspired by YiaYia’s Wisdom
Welcome to Chalari Wines, a celebration of heritage, community and the heartfelt traditions passed down through generations. At the heart of everything we do, Alexi’s YiaYia, a woman whose wisdom, warmth and no-nonsense attitude continue to shape not only our philosophy but also the spirit of our wines.
YiaYia taught us that the best things in life are simple and shared: a table full of loved ones, a plate of lovingly prepared food and a glass of good wine. Her legacy inspires every bottle of Chalari, reminding us to stay true to our roots, embrace the joy of gathering and craft wines that bring people together.
At Chalari Wines, we don’t just make wine; we bottle a piece of our story, inspired by YiaYia’s love, resilience and belief that every gathering deserves something special. Step into our world, pour yourself a glass and join us in raising a toast to the wisdom of YiaYia, because life’s best moments are worth celebrating.
Small batch. Lo-Fi.
Hand-made wines for every occasion.
Your no-fuss, online wine boutique.
Our Team
Alexi
Winemaker and FounderA childhood rich in Cat Stevens, Greek family traditions, and watching his father watch the world go by are the nostalgic foundations of Chalari Wines. From the Perth Hills to Mt Barker, Alexi, Hayley and the kids…READ MORE
Hayley
Cellarhand, PromotionsWhile Hayley’s profession is that of a Midwife, Chalari Wines wouldn’t exist without her.
From countless hours spent helping out during vintage, pouring at tasting events and reigning in Alexi’s silly ideas for improving the joint.
Duggee
General Dogs BodyGeneral all rounder and dog’s body, he’s always to be found when we are working around the cellar or the vineyard. Provided there isn’t too much noise! Tennis balls help…please send….woof.
What we do
Growing and sourcing fruit that is organically or sustainably farmed is the foundation of our ethos
Our Ethos
Our aim is to produce delicious wines, both traditional and experimental, from organic or sustainably farmed grapes.
Growers
We have worked with small growers all around the state and have either converted them to organic practices, or set them on that path.
We are very mindful of the generational changes that will occur in the coming years, particularly in the Swan Region so we have worked hard to increase the price we pay for the growers hard work over the years. In some cases, we now pay over double what they originally asked for.
In return we get exceptional fruit and have managed to convert some of these growers to organic practices.
Growing
We also manage vineyards in the Great Southern and Swan District and farm those organically and regeneratively. Think cover crops, no synthetic sprays, increased biodiversity on the vineyard floor.
We aim to find more vineyards over the coming years to manage and convert. This is core to our ethos.
Winemaking
We consider ourselves as minimal intervention winemakers.
What does this mean? In nearly all wines we use no commercial yeasts or fining products. We don’t call ourselves natural winemakers because we do occasionally filter a wine, and allow ourselves to use commercially available products if the vintage or the fruit dictates. We would rather use a product diligently and only if required, as opposed to wasting a years worth of growing fruit.
We use minimal sulphites, only small amounts at bottling to ensure the quality of the product is how it we intend it.
