Alpha Box & Dice
McLaren Vale, South Australia
Crafting the Alphabet of Wine with creativity and precision.
A Story Rooted in Innovation & Place
Founded in 2008 in McLaren Vale, Alpha Box & Dice set out to create an "Alphabet of Wine"—a collection where each letter represents a unique winemaking project. The goal is to celebrate the diversity of styles and varieties from South Australia’s iconic wine regions, including McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley, and Langhorne Creek. The winery has become a champion of alternative Mediterranean varieties, consistently innovating while respecting the character of the fruit.
The People Behind the Wine
Alpha Box & Dice is owned by Dylan and Justin Fairweather. Head Winemaker Sam Berketa joined the team in 2016 at age 26 and has since shaped the winery’s philosophy. Drawing on experience from McLaren Vale, Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Rheinhessen (Germany), Barolo (Italy), and Monterey (USA), Sam crafts wines that are innovative, drinkable, and expressive of their vineyards. He works closely with growers year-round to ensure fruit quality translates into every bottle.
Vineyards & Winemaking Philosophy
AB&D sources fruit from multiple regions, working with small-scale growers across South Australia. The wines are produced in small batches with minimal intervention and are entirely vegan-friendly. Techniques include hand and machine harvesting, whole-bunch fermentation, careful maceration, and extended maturation in barriques and hogsheads, depending on the wine. Each project is approached thoughtfully, balancing experimentation with a respect for terroir.
Signature Wines
Brueitt Springs Shiraz, Carignan & Grenache Blend – layered with brambly berries, spice, and soft, chalky tannins, matured for 30 months in oak before blending.
Golden Mullet Fury – a white blend of Semillon, Muscat, and Riesling, offering structured yet playful aromatics and rich texture.
Dead Winemakers’ Society – a Nebbiolo-based experimental wine incorporating Shiraz, Cabernet, Barbera, Carignan, and more, showcasing traditional techniques with contemporary innovation.
Aesthetic & Identity
Alpha Box & Dice wines are recognized internationally, appearing in top restaurants and cellars across 20+ countries. The philosophy of "Alphabet of Wine" drives both creative expression and a commitment to quality, resulting in wines that are adventurous, enjoyable, and deeply connected to South Australian terroir.