Kathleen Quealy and Kevin McCarthy are true pioneers of the Mornington Peninsula, playing a key role in its early development in the 1990s. Their focus on Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio helped establish the variety as a household name in Australia. Inspired by visits to renowned wine regions like Collio, Alsace, and Josko Gravner, they were among the first in Australia to explore skin-contact wines—an adventure that continues today.

In 2019, their son Tom McCarthy became chief winemaker, maintaining the family’s philosophy of minimal intervention, organic farming, and the use of old oak. Tom is supported by Lucas Blanck, the estate’s viticulturist, who has overseen a major renovation of the vineyards, introducing organic certification and sustainable farming practices.

Quealy Wines is built around four key vineyards, including the Home Block in Balnarring, home to some of the oldest Pinot Noir vines in the region, and the cool-climate Musk Creek vineyard, which produces exceptional Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. With a focus on organic practices and innovative varietals, Quealy Wines remains a leader in the Australian wine industry, crafting wines of exceptional character and quality.