Dandelion Vineyards
McLaren Vale, South Australia
A Fusion of Vineyards and Vignerons
Dandelion Vineyards is a unique blend of old vineyards, a passionate young winemaker, and a small team of friends who help bring it all to life. Our wines reflect decades of experience, combining the fruit of heirloom vineyards with the traditions of artisan winemaking. We take our craft seriously, but always make space for proper fun.
Our lifelong pursuit is to understand the essence of wine and its terroir—a vinous treasure hunt inspired by the Dandelion’s Wishing Clock that guides every decision in the vineyard and winery.
Our Founder and Winemaker – Elena Brooks
Elena grew up in Bulgaria, where her mother worked in a winery. After the fall of the Soviet Republic, she became the family’s interpreter for visiting Australians, translating barrel tastings by the age of 12. By 15, Elena had the wine knowledge and vocabulary of a seasoned winemaker, and at 16, she produced her first batches of Chardonnay.
After studying and working in renowned wine regions worldwide, Elena has settled with her husband and two children in McLaren Vale. Under Dandelion Vineyards, she has created numerous award-winning wines and was recognized as the Bushing Queen at the 2021 McLaren Vale Wine Show for her Lion’s Tooth of McLaren Vale Shiraz Riesling.
Our Vineyards and Winemaking Philosophy
At Dandelion Vineyards, we believe that great wine begins in the vineyard. We carefully tend our vines, handpicking only the finest grapes to craft wines that capture the essence of our unique terroir. Firehawk Farm, our 60-acre flagship vineyard, sits atop an ancient ridge with limestone and ironstone soils. It grows Grenache, Shiraz, and Petite Sirah, and is currently transitioning to biodynamic practices.
Elena believes that understanding the vineyard makes work in the winery effortless, calling herself a “lazy winemaker” in the best sense. Firehawk Farm is also a certified member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, reflecting our commitment to environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
Our Label
The dandelion flower is the heart of our label, symbolizing the plant that blooms throughout our vineyards across regions from Lake Alexandrina to Eden Valley. Stylized seeds float in a 3D effect across a clean, white background, capturing both whimsy and detail—the essence of our wines and the landscape they come from.
Our Wines
Each Dandelion wine is a labor of love, crafted with minimal intervention to highlight the character of the fruit and terroir. From the Grenache, Shiraz, and Petite Sirah of Firehawk Farm to our other single-vineyard expressions, our wines are honest, expressive, and deeply rooted in place.
The Wonder Room
Dandelion Vineyards’ Wonder Room has been internationally recognized for its architecture at the 2025 Global Best of Wine Tourism Awards in Verona, Italy. Repurposed from an old tractor shed, it blends rustic charm with modern comfort, offering panoramic views of McLaren Vale and an unforgettable wine tourism experience.
A Message from Elena Brooks
"At Dandelion Vineyards, we believe that great wine is made in the vineyard. Each bottle is a true labor of love, a testament to our commitment to quality and passion for winemaking. We invite you to experience the pure, authentic flavors of our wines and discover the magic of Dandelion Vineyards."