Gentle Folk

Gareth and Rainbo Belton are the Gentle Folks, both in name and in sensibility. They are gentle, soulful people, both originally seaweed experts, who turned their hands to farming grapes with an organic and sustainable approach. Today they are crafting some of the most legitimately exciting and exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the Adelaide Hills and are firmly rooted in the upper echelon of Australia's lo-fi wine scene.

Their wines cover multiple sub-regions across the Adelaide Hills. There are no additions during the winemaking process, save for a splash of SO2 at bottling to keep the wines pristine as they travel from the Beltons' home to yours. The worlds of fine wine and natural wine collide in the Gentle Folk range. They are beautiful people making increasingly breathtaking wines that you definitely want to check out.

"As the dust settles after the hype tornado that made Basket Range in the Adelaide Hills the epicentre of hipster wine culture for a while, a clearer picture emerges of who really matters in this part of the world. Gareth Belton really matters. His Gentle Folk wines are poetically expressive and expertly made."
- Nick Ryan

The single-site Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays are exceptionally well-produced. Chardonnay, in particular, is becoming something of a strong suit for Gareth, as he finds great freshness, drive and beautiful textures in this variety. The ever-expanding range of Village wines perfectly captures the elegance of the region. And their loveable range of spring releases (Vin de Sofa, Rainbow Juice et al.) offers perfect easy drinking with plenty of personality.

No. 40 Winery in the Country
"If you grow it, they will come. In some circles Gentle Folk would be known as a natural winemaker but really this Adelaide Hills producer simply grows and makes beautiful wine, and any ‘labels’ look after themselves. Gentle Folk’s barrel-fermented sauvignon blanc, syrah and chardonnay, among other wines, are all magical drinks, and elevate this winery straight into the Top 100 ranks."
- Campbell Mattinson (Top 100 Wineries 2023 - Halliday Wine Companion)

"Gentle Folk, led by Gareth and Rainbo Belton, released wines with wild streaks in their early days, but with a focus on dedicated, organic farming of their own vines have shifted to producing wines of finesse that seem to better reflect the dedication of their work.

The past several years has seen a brilliant array of pinot noir and chardonnay emerge from Gentle Folk’s suite of wines. Textural chardonnay imbued with savouriness, ethereal, pure-feeling pinot noir of structure and quiet power are the métier. The rise and rise of this producer is remarkable, but then again not so considering the detailed work in the vines and focused perspective on grander wines."
- Mike Bennie (Halliday Wine Companion)