A Family Affair | Bekkers Wine

In the beginning, one of McLaren Vale’s oldest wineries was the setting for a chance meeting between a young French winemaker and newly graduated Australian viticulturist. Emmanuelle and Toby Bekkers have lived, worked and raised a family amongst the vineyards of McLaren Vale, South Australia.

Meet the makers

Toby Bekkers
Owner / Viticulturist

Wine has been at the centre of Toby Bekkers' life for more than 30 years. A passionate viticulturist, he has spent his career exploring what makes great vineyards and wines truly special.

With his wife Emmanuelle, Toby established Bekkers in McLaren Vale with a vision of creating wines that capture the essence of the region they call home. Inspired by the landscape, climate and community of McLaren Vale, they have built a winery dedicated to producing wines of depth, balance and character.

Through years of experience, travel and continual learning, Toby has developed a deep appreciation for the connection between vineyard, place and wine. His philosophy is simple: exceptional wines begin in exceptional vineyards, nurtured with care, patience and respect.

In 2017, Toby was awarded a Nuffield Scholarship, providing the opportunity to travel extensively and explore agricultural practices around the world. These experiences further strengthened his belief in the extraordinary potential of Australian vineyards and the ability of regions such as McLaren Vale to produce wines that stand proudly alongside the world's finest.

Beyond the vineyard, Toby has made a significant contribution to the Australian wine community through a range of industry leadership roles, including serving for nine years as a Director of the Australian Wine Research Institute.

Today, these philosophies remain at the heart of every bottle of Bekkers wine: a commitment to authenticity, craftsmanship and the pursuit of excellence.

Emmanuelle Bekkers
Owner / Winemaker

Chevalier de l'Ordre National du Mérite Agricole (Knight of the French National Order of Agricultural Merit)

Since 1994, Emmanuelle Bekkers has crafted wines across two hemispheres, bringing together the traditions of France and the innovation of Australia.

Born and trained in France, Emmanuelle studied winemaking before meeting her future husband, Toby, in McLaren Vale in 1995. Together they have built Bekkers around a shared belief that great wines should express a genuine sense of place while reflecting the skill and care of those who make them.

Throughout her career, Emmanuelle has worked vintages in some of the world's most celebrated wine regions, including Burgundy and Bordeaux, while maintaining a deep connection to both France and Australia. Today, she continues to craft wines in Chablis as well as McLaren Vale, combining the influences of both regions in her approach to winemaking.

Her long-held ambition to see her wines enjoyed on the tables of France's finest restaurants has become a reality, with Bekkers McLaren Vale wines now featured in renowned establishments, including many Michelin-starred venues in Paris.

In 2026, Emmanuelle was honoured with the title of Chevalier de l'Ordre National du Mérite Agricole (Knight of the National Order of Agricultural Merit) by the French Government. This distinction recognised her contribution to enhancing the reputation of French wine internationally and strengthening the connection between the French and Australian wine communities.

Established in 1883, the Ordre National du Mérite Agricole recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions to French agriculture. It is one of France’s highest civilian honours, second only to the Légion d’Honneur, the nation’s premier award for military and civil service, founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802.

Today, Emmanuelle continues to bring curiosity, creativity and a global perspective to every wine she makes, guided by a commitment to quality, authenticity and the enduring relationship between wine, people and place.

A French connection

For over 25 years Emmanuelle and Toby have travelled regularly to France and Europe to visit an extensive network of esteemed wine makers and friends. After each trip they return with new inspirations and an appreciation of timeless, traditional methods.

This serves to enhance a rare and special commitment to producing McLaren Vale wines of the highest quality.

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