Ken King

Kings of Kangaroo Ground

Ken's appreciation of fine wine was born many years ago when he was working as an Electronic Engineer for a big US company. He was entertaining clients over many corporate dinners accompanied with great wine where he began to develop both a love of wine and an interest in making it.

His next-door-neighbour in Eltham, was making wine at home so Ken decided to give it a crack himself. He loved the idea of creating a product from something that comes out of the ground, never really knowing what he would end up with. His home-made wines were a success and so he bought a property in Kangaroo Ground in 1990 and the rest is history. In 2013, he was joined by business partner, Chris Ramsay and today they produce traditionally made "vine to bottle" multi award-winning wines.

Ken believes that the success of his business is simply in making good wine. He and Chris are traditional wine makers using only the best quality grapes and oak and ensure they maintain a well-managed environment for the wines to mature.

One of the biggest challenges for anyone who is a grower, is the weather. This is something that can't predicted and can be devastating for some who work the land. Contrary to conventional wisdom, Ken and Chris have planted on a south slope to deliberately delay the ripening of the fruit, which enables full varietal flavours to develop.

For any small business, competing with the 'big guys' is always challenging, but Ken, Chris, and their customers know that they produce excellent quality wines and at the end of the day, that's all that matters. People keep coming back for the product. Ironically, Ken's favourite drink is not wine, but a chocolate milkshake; double chocolate, double malt, mixed well to create a beautiful creamy froth on top that fills the mouth with a delicious flavour and texture - a complete experience for the taste buds. This is his benchmark - his wines must provide the same sensory experience to be up to standard; delightful aromas, lovely velvety mouthfeel and delicious taste.

For Ken, Marcellin has provided a long-lasting link to friendships which, like good wine, mature and grow over time. His class of 1969 are celebrating their 50th reunion this month, and he is extremely disappointed that the event clashes with the biggest day of the year for winemakers in Nillumbik Shire….Open Cellars of Nillumbik …..one he just can't miss. He will be sure to be at the reunion in spirit though!

Fun Facts:

Nickname: KK or Kingy

Favourite school subject: Geography and Physics

Favourite holiday destination: Wallaga Lake (near Bermagui)

TV show you'd like to appear on: Embarrassing Bodies

Favourite Marcellin Canteen food: Sausage roll with sauce x 2

Teacher you remember: Br Gregory (favourite teacher)

Ed Sheeran or Post Malone: Ed Sheeran

Football Team: The Demons

Mercedes or Alpha Romeo: Mercedes - specifically 1989 560SEL

Worst school rule: "King, get a haircut"

Best school rule: Four term holidays

Cats or dogs: Cats

Marcellin mates you still see: Jack McInnis, Phil Russell, Clint Bradley, Mark Zagorski and of course Adrian King (my brother)

Favourite school memory: Break-up day

Favourite wine: Elderberry wine (contrary to popular belief, you don't need grapes make good wine)