Alan Cooper

Coming Up

The work at Cobaw Ridge is built on farming first: in 1985, Alan Cooper and Nelly Cooper planted the vineyard after buying the land to return to agriculture and build their own property. That decision set the shape of the estate, and the vineyard has since been defined by patience, conviction and the cold air of the Macedon Ranges. Massachusetts Institute of Technology gave Alan Cooper a disciplined, analytical foundation before wine took over the practical work of the property. The pairing matters: vineyard and cellar at Cobaw Ridge have always depended on observation, timing and repetition, as much as on instinct.

Where They Are Now

Cool-climate farming remains the frame at Cobaw Ridge, with chardonnay, pinot noir, syrah and lagrein handled in step with the site rather than against it. Alan Cooper works the property as owner and winegrower, keeping the vineyard and cellar decisions close to the expression of place. His own standard is direct: “At the end of the day what we strive for is flavour that could only come from here!” Blend work can also show that same site-first thinking. L’altra Syrah Pinot brings together rosé and pinot pressing with a dash of Lagrein, and is described as juicy and bright, staying within the estate’s cool-climate register while shifting the texture and lift.

Signature

Alan's signature wines include Ilpinko Syrah Rose, L'altra Chardonnay, L'altra Syrah Pinot, Cobaw Ridge Lagrein, and Cobaw Ridge Pinot Noir Original. Together they sketch the range of Cobaw Ridge’s cellar personality: whites, reds and rosé-leaning expressions that remain tied to the same property and its conditions, each carrying the imprint of the vineyard in a different register.

In Their Words “So many people questioned the long-term viability of the Macedon Ranges in those early days. But now we are, I think, very much in the box seat to continue serious cool climate winemaking.” “We have really forged our own path locally being the first certified organic-biodynamic producer in the Macedon Ranges.”

Honors

Recognition at Cobaw Ridge includes Halliday Wine Companion Top 100 Wineries (2024) and Certified Biodynamic (NASAA) (2011).