Straight from the No Escape for the Wicked file comes news that on a recent bibulous tour of France Coonawarra vigneron Doug Bowen purchased a neighbouring block of vines. Between tasting and luncheon engagements in Epernay, the now well-housed Bowen received a fax that the property was up for sale and that a quick response was in order lest a few others find out as well. The property’s 50 acres are planted to 22 acres of 20 year-old dryland vines and has more than enough spare room for Bowen to build a new winery. Given that time required to construct the new Bowen residence is firmly entrenched in south-eastern folklore, one can expect the new Bowen Estate winery to open sometime mid next century. Bowen Estate now occupies 110 acres of Coonawarra dirt, of which 82 acres are under vine.
