Two Hands was established in September 1999 when founders Michael Twelftree and Richard Mintz sat at a friend’s engagement party and decided it was time to make their own wine and market it on the world stage.
The original aim was, and still is, to make the best possible Shiraz-based wines from prized growing regions throughout Australia. With so much Australian wine being sold around the globe under multi-region labels in a formulaic style, the intention was to break the mould and showcase the diversity of Australian Shiraz by highlighting regional and vineyard characteristics by allowing the fruit to be the primary feature of the wines.
1999 - 2002
Two Hands’ first vintage was in 2000, after a modest $30k investment and starting with just 17 tonnes of fruit. Wine contacts in the US and UK helped launch the brand and favourable critical reaction put Two Hands in the spotlight soon after. The early success helped with gradually increasing production and the creation of the full six Garden Series Shiraz's (named after Michael & Richards family members). Once Ares & Gnarly Dudes joined the collection the portfolio was truely starting to take shape.
2003 - Building & Opening Cellar Door
273 Neldner Road, Marananga
In 2002, driving down what was then a dusty Neldner Road MT saw the run down uninhabited cottage next to the Marananga Creek that was to become the home of Two Hands – 'Kraehe House'.
The vision was to reflect the Barossa heritage with the sandstone frontage and verandah, but create something modern and luxurious on the inside: the Cellar Door and Bakehouse Cellar opened in December 2003 just in time for Christmas and turned local hospitality on its head with seated tasting experiences and that anyone could walk in and taste Flagship Shiraz Ares, no matter where they were from or if they had money to spend.
Cellar Door Open 7 Days, 11am - 5pm
2004 - 2012
The Coach House vineyard at Greenock had already been in the fold from 2002, but the vacant land next to Cellar Door in Marananga allowed for additional vineyards to be planted. With 5 acres of Shiraz planted in 2005 for future grape supply as part of the long term goal of growing the estate.
With the regionality of the Garden Series well established, the next logical step was to explore further the terroir of individual vineyard sites, and the Single Vineyard Series was launched. The 2005 Zippy’s Block Shiraz was the first release and its introduction completed the now four-tiered portfolio.
In 2007 the first portion of the Holy Grail Vineyard site on Seppeltsfield Road was acquired, adding an additional 60 acres of bare land to the estate portfolio.
Numerous accolades continued, including Robert Parker famously naming Two Hands ‘’the finest negociant south of the equator’’, and demand around the world surged in the following years as the wines expanded into export markets throughout Europe, Asia, North America and, of course, Australia. In November 2012, Two Hands was named in the Wine Spectator’s annual Top 100 for the 10th consecutive year, an achievement without equal by any winery the world over.
2012 - 2015
Tim Hower and Pierre-Henri Morel both marked a defining moment in the evolution of Two Hands Wines. Tim’s love of the Barossa Valley brought vital support and investment that enabled the continued development of the Holy Grail vineyard—an essential step in the winery’s growth. In 2014, Pierre-Henri became General Manager with 23 years of executive experience in the wine industry and a deep understanding of global markets. Pierre joining the team has elevated the winery’s international presence and reinforced our reputation as a world-class producer.
2016 - 2020
In 2016 the team began planting The Holy Grail Vineyard site, and the first wine was released from the existing vines. We purchase our beautiful fluffy Scottish Highland fold to contribute to the vineyards sustainability. Vineyard Experiences were launched to enable visitors to visit Holy Grail and demystify the winemaking process.
In 2019 we celebrate our 20th Anniversary.
2021 - 2025
- The first vintage release of our Invenienda Shiraz from ‘The Clos’ block at Holy Grail Vineyard.
- We are certified by Sustainability Australia
Team Two Hands, made up of 20 dedicated staff across various departments, proudly celebrates 25 years of winemaking excellence!
Today Two Hands is owned by Michael Twelftree, together with Pierre-Henri Morel. With Michael and Pierre sharing an ambitious vision for the future, Two Hands next chapter in the journey is sure to be exciting.
