Save Our Souls

Save Our Souls is the collaborative side project of two gifted winemaker minimalists from Australia’s Yarra Valley region outside Melbourne. Followers of Vino al Vino will already know one of those vignerons well, we’ve been championing William Downie’s iconic Pinot Noirs to Western Canada for years now. We’re now over the moon to introduce the breathless, delicious, exciting wines of Save Our Souls, made by Bill Downie together with his brilliant and likeminded comrade, Jason Searle. If you want to know more about the characteristics of this area you can take a look at www.vinerra.com

Jason and Bill met at the outset of their winemaking journey, between the vine rows of world-renowned Pinot Noir producer Bass Phillip. 

To hear them tell it: 

“Spending time amongst the grapes we learned that we held common ideals for quality wine, hard work, and a good laugh. Over lunches and wine tasting a bond grew and in 2008 Save Our Souls was born.

“Our first release was at the time a ground-breaking savoury and crisp Rosé for those long hot Australian summers, still the OG. Over the next 10 years or so our little family has grown and expanded to include a savoury and textured Chardonnay, an affordable Pinot Noir that, well, tastes like Pinot Noir, an easy drinking Sangiovese which tastes great with or without food, and a lively and juicy Sagrantino for a bit of fun.

“We don’t want accolades or shining medals, we just want to make delicious wines that punch above their weight, are inclusive, and most importantly are sociable; to be shared with friends at a favourite bar top, to have at home with hump day dinner, take with confidence to a dinner party or in the park with the gang on a sunny Sunday – wines for every day in every way.

“We are extremely lucky and blessed to work with wonderful grape growers from all over Victoria who share our passion for interesting wines that speak of the place they come from. Whether it be from way down south in Mornington Peninsula, through to the Yarra Valley and all the way up to the famous Heathcote region. We make wine with as little added as possible except for good honest grapes."

The Save Our Souls wines are adventurous, equal parts serious and playful, with the goal of always evolving and always having a good time doing it. It’s a chance for these talented winemakers to let their hair down. Not trying to save the world, but maybe a couple souls who could use a proper glass of wine after a long day!