Grounded Cru value the little things; handcrafting our wines with passion and honesty to deliver the vineyard to your table.

The name ‘Grounded Cru’ epitomises Joffa’s philosophies. ‘Grounded’ reflects his down to earth nature and the fact that he values relationships (collaborating with growers, etc) and pays attention to the little things; handcrafting his wines. It also carries a link to terroir and the vineyard. ‘Cru’ is a French word meaning ‘growth’. It is also used with terms ‘Grand’ and ‘Premier’ to classify the superior quality of a vineyard. Joffa also likes to think of ‘Cru’ with regards to joining the crew or being part of a group of like-minded people. The Grounded Cru brand features handmade typography and a down to earth (grounded) Australian icon. We think this perfectly tells our unique story.

In our relatively brief history, Grounded Cru has built a reputation of producing premium wines in two of Australia’s great growing regions, McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills. Whether in person or through our distribution channels, we look forward to ongoing engagement with Australian and international wine consumers as our passion for producing wines of great quality continues.

Learn More About Our Vineyards

  • Geoff Thompson profile

    Geoff 'Joffa' Thompson

    Cru Chief

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    Passionate about all things wine, Geoff ‘Joffa’ Thompson took the plunge in his late 20’s to change career and follow his dream of becoming a winemaker. Having completed winemaking studies and patiently working his way to Chief Winemaker at a large company, Joffa and his family took the leap in 2013 to launch their own wine business. Their goal was always to create their own brand.

    After a full distillation and brand build process, Grounded Cru was born. With McLaren Vale at their heart and winemaking home, their passion for the Adelaide Hills and Langhorne Creek wine regions brings alive this complimentary trinity of neighbouring regions within their range of small batch handcrafted wines. He aspires to create wines of balance, texture, nuance and great character, to be shared with the Cru.

  • Matt Jackman profile

    Matt 'Jacko' Jackman

    Winemaker

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    Growing up in wine obsessed McLaren Vale it was only natural that Matt ‘Jacko’ Jackman developed a strong passion for wine and looked to carve a career out of it. An Oenology graduate from the University of Adelaide, Jacko sought vintage experience here and overseas in Burgundy, France and Oregon, USA before returning to McLaren Vale – the home of the Cru. He continues to work closely with Joffa as he has done since the brand’s inception to craft the wines from grape to bottle. The enthusiasm and experience he brings is invaluable in helping to create our range of wines that we really believe has something for everyone!


Our Vineyards

Being based in McLaren Vale and with the regions of the Adelaide Hills and Langhorne Creek nearby, we are able to handcraft our wines from our premium vineyards in the ‘Vale, Hills & Creek’. Working hand in glove with our growers we ensure that our grapes are picked at the optimum ripeness, resulting in wines of beautiful balance and elegance. We love working with grapes from these three regions and the wonderful diversity which they offer.

Click on a map to find out more.