our Bernoota story

April 30, 2024

our Bernoota story

As many of you will have read on the back label, 'Bernoota' is the name given to the Follett family homestead here at Lake Breeze.
 
Harry Follett built his home in the late 1920's naming it 'Bernoota', which we believe is the indigenous Ngarrindjeri term for 'camp among the gum trees'.

Harry Follett was studying at Roseworthy College when WW1 broke out.  After successfully completing his studies, he went off to war.
 
Harry was awarded the Military Medal for "conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty" near Cerisy, France.
 
Following the war, Harry furthered his agricultural education at Leeds University, before returning to Langhorne Creek in 1920.

He took up land on the southern end of the Follett's 'Fairholme' property and built the 'Bernoota' homestead for his young bride.  He constructed a dairy and limestone buildings such as the implement shed, which is now home to our cellar door.
 
Naturally, Harry planted vines, initially currants for drying along with table grapes. In the early 1930's, other varieties, including grenache, were planted for sale to Bleasdale for fortified wines.
 
These are the very same grenache vines that produce our Rosato, Old Vine Grenache and The Gramps.