Unico Zelo

Founded by Brendan and Laura Carter, this South Australian powerhouse couple have set out to reshape what Australian wine means in a modern, sustainable context. Their mission is simple: to make wine that’s deeply connected to the land, environmentally conscious, and deliciously accessible. Unico Zelo champions lesser-known Mediterranean varieties like Fiano and Nero d'Avola, which thrive in Australia’s challenging climate, especially in regions like the Riverland where water scarcity is a serious issue. By choosing these varieties, they not only craft wines that are suited to Australia’s conditions, but they also offer a sustainable alternative to traditional, water-intensive practices.

At the heart of Unico Zelo’s ethos is a deep respect for Australia’s changing food and wine culture. Brendan and Laura have a keen understanding of how today’s more diverse, lighter, and spice-driven cuisine demands different wine styles than the heavy, oak-laden reds of yesteryear. Their wines, like the juicy, low-tannin Nero d'Avola or the waxy, complex Fiano, are designed to match the vibrant flavours of modern Australian dining.

"Our wines need to alter and shift and change in both their variety and style to be able to match our food."
- Brendan Carter

The label reflects this bold, contemporary approach. Unico Zelo’s designs are vibrant, modern, and unpretentious, standing out on the shelf with bold, colourful artwork that echoes the excitement found in the bottle. The labels for wines like Esoterico — their hugely popular orange wine — are fun, eye-catching, and intended to invite curiosity without overwhelming the consumer with traditional wine jargon.

Unico Zelo stands for innovation, sustainability, and the belief that wine should be for everyone. From their forward-thinking varieties to their commitment to eco-friendly practices, they’re rewriting the narrative of what Australian wine can be — and having a blast doing it.

"We know that we sell wines to all age groups, but who we are really trying to speak to are people discovering wine for the first time... It makes it fun. It doesn’t make an intellectual challenge."
- Brendan Carter

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