About Us
Since Emanuel and Laura Skorpos helped establish the Southern Flinders Wine Region here in 1997, they’ve experienced the extremes of disaster and triumph. And if you’ve ever trekked through the regions red soils and rugged mountains, you’d expect nothing less from this place of natural contrasts. However, what might surprise you, is the rich trove of wine and food flavours emerging from Flinders Run and other producers in this scenic region, which the Skorpos family invites you to explore, discover, and experience. They know that while it’s one thing to immerse yourself in the ancient Flinders Ranges landscape, it’s another thing to taste the treasures we’re uncovering, thanks to the soil, the microclimate, and the carefully-researched array of grape varieties we’ve planted.
Emanuel Skorpos’s family story has its origins in the beautiful Greek Mediterranean Island of Samos, where his great-grandfather Michael (Μιχάλη) and his son Emanuel (Εμμανουήλ) worked an olive grove and small vineyard in the rugged mountainous region known as Morteri (Μουρτέρη Σάμου). Their dedication to farming such rugged terrain is evident in the terraces they were able to carve in the sides of the mountains. It was here that they harvested olives in the bitter cold of winter, and grapes in the warmth of Mediterranean summers.
Their passion for this landscape is still evident, with the century-old olive groves continuing to be farmed and harvested today. Emanuel’s own passion for working the land was realised during the summer of 1991 when he travelled to Samos to visit his grandparents and the family estate. Little did he realise how significant this visit would be. In Greek terms, Emanuel’s trip was the start of his own odyssey! Strolling through the olive grove and the ancient terraces, he was overcome by a burning desire to maintain his heritage. It was at this point he decided he would follow in the family footsteps by developing his own horticultural enterprise, albeit on the other side of the world.
On Returning to Australia
The next phase of Emanuel’s odyssey was spent researching and working in the wine industry. He picked grapes and pruned vines during seasonal work. He explored many parts of Australia, including the Riverland regions of South Australia and Victoria, which are wine grape growing regions renowned for producing commercial grade wines.
Similar to the trials faced by Homer’s character, Odysseus in The Odyssey, Emanuel emerged from this time of testing with clarity. In his case, Emanuel realised that producing commercial wine was not for him. The first seeds of the Flinders Run vision were sown; he knew now that he needed to create something special, something unique, and that would demand premium wine grape production.
His odyssey continued with more wandering, this time leading him to the McLaren Vale and Willunga regions of South Australia. These regions are close to Adelaide and well known for their Mediterranean climate, fertile Biscay soils, and premium wine grapes. He settled on a small 10-acre block in 1993, yet despite the region’s reputation, Emanuel was not convinced that this was the right place for him. The 10-acre block was small, limiting his ability to expand, and so his plans stalled. It was then that Emanuel discovered, and was drawn to, an exciting new region in the mid north of South Australia; the Southern Flinders Ranges. Although he’d never been their before, he had a strong sense of “nostos”, a sense of “returning”. And this is now home to Flinders Run, and a new branch of the Skorpos family’s tradition of grape growing and wine production.
About Us
Join our Wine Club to get 10% off your first order!
Become a "Pioneering Vintner" by joining our wine club today!
Emanuel and Laura welcome you with a complimentary membership to explore Flinders Run through its exclusive Pioneering Vintners wine club experience.
By joining you will receive
- Complimentary privileges designed to enhance your enjoyment of our wines.
- Preferential pricing and special offers and first access to new release wines.
- Your favourite wines delivered to your door.
- member-only invitations, offers and privileges.
- Quarterly newsletter with updates from the vineyard, vintage reports, as well as a word from the winemaker on how the wines are maturing.
Click here for more details on the WINE CLUB or register your interest below now!
