The creation of Two Hands Wines started as the vision of two longtime friends — or “two hands” — Michael Twelftree and Richard Mintz. Both gained familiarity with wine and success in the industry in earlier pursuits. But, their passion for Australian wine, especially Shiraz, led to their founding of Two Hands Wines in Australia’s Barossa Valley in 1999. A mere 17 tons of fruit in the inaugural 2000 harvest was unquestionably a humble beginning. It’s certainly not an event that would herald the kind of praise Two Hands now receives in the wine community.

From the beginning, every aspect of wine production had to be unique. A simple, yet exacting company philosophy was established: “Quality Without Compromise.” It has and still does influence every level of Two Hands’ decision-making, from fruit selection to customer service. It also includes elements of fun and enjoyment, which are displayed in some imaginative product names and the way the winery interacts with its customers. Ultimately, the results are wines that celebrate the many guises of Australian Shiraz, plus other varietals that are suited to the growing area.

It wasn’t long before the winery’s many Shiraz offerings began to attract 90+ scores in the most influential and prestigious wine press. In 2004, Robert Parker named Two Hands “The finest negociant operation south of the equator.” Then, in 2005, fifteen of its wines received 90+ ratings from Parker’s Wine Advocate. Thus, only six years passed before Two Hands became a critically acclaimed luxury wine producer.

Address:
Neldner Road, Marananga,
South Australia, 5355