Living Roots Wine & Co. is a compelling story of family heritage, global craftsmanship, and a dedication to sustainable winemaking. Founded in 2016 by Sebastian and Colleen Hardy, the winery bridges generations of winemaking in South Australia with the vibrant possibilities of the Finger Lakes region in New York. By dividing their time between two hemispheres, the Hardys craft wines year-round, embracing both tradition and fresh approaches to their craft, all while prioritizing sustainability.
From South Australia to Upstate New York: A Family Legacy
Sebastian Hardy’s connection to winemaking runs six generations deep, beginning with his great-great-great grandfather, Thomas Hardy, who immigrated to South Australia in 1850 and planted some of the first vines in the region. This pioneering legacy shaped Seb’s journey, from growing up in his father’s vineyards in McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills to pursuing a degree in Viticulture and Oenology at the University of Adelaide, with an exchange at UC Davis. With experience working vintages in Australia, Europe, and the U.S., Seb brought his expertise to Living Roots, a winery that thrives on the distinctive strengths of its two regions.
Colleen Hardy’s path to wine began in Rochester, New York, where she pursued a marketing career before transitioning into winemaking. A chance cellar-hand position at Hardy’s Tintara Winery in South Australia not only deepened her connection to wine but also led her to meet Seb.
The family connection deepened in 2014 when Colleen’s parents, Mike and Meredith Hurley, purchased Shale Creek Vineyard, a fixer-upper overlooking Keuka Lake.
Recognizing its potential, the Hurleys, along with Colleen and Seb, rehabilitated the land, transforming it into a thriving part of Living Roots’ operations. This collaboration highlights the multigenerational family effort that lies at the heart of the winery’s story.
Sustainability at the Forefront
From its inception, Living Roots has been committed to sustainability. With Shale Creek Vineyard being an active participant in the New York Wine & Grape Foundation’s Sustainable Winegrowing Program, the Hurley’s and Seb and Colleen engage deeply with local growers to promote environmentally friendly practices. For them, sustainability is a continuous journey, one that improves not just their own vineyards but the broader winemaking community in the region.
“We always intended to be as sustainable as possible,” says Colleen. “It’s a long-term goal. The certification process was a great way to start conversations with our growers and to continue improving together.”
Exploring Lower-Alcohol Wines and Unique Wine Styles
Living Roots stands out for its willingness to explore new grape varieties and winemaking techniques. Their focus on lower-alcohol wines has drawn attention, particularly with their Session Sparkling White, made from old-vine Elvira grapes. This wine is a nod to the Finger Lakes’ tradition of sparkling wine production while catering to the growing interest in lighter, sessionable wines that still deliver flavor and complexity.
Seb and Colleen have also embraced other hybrid grape varieties, including Aromella, and Cayuga White, which are particularly well-suited to the region’s changing climate. Seb acknowledges that working with hybrids can be challenging, especially reds like Marquette, but finds the process rewarding: “There’s so much potential in these varieties, and it’s exciting to see what we can create with them.”
Connecting Two Wine Regions, Celebrating Two Harvests
Living Roots’ split operations in the Finger Lakes and Adelaide Hills allow the Hardys to make the most of two harvests each year. Their Finger Lakes vineyard produces cool-climate whites and sparkling wines, while their Australian vineyard focuses on reds. Each wine reflects the strengths of its region, whether it’s the Shale Creek Chardonnay, sourced from their family’s Keuka Lake vineyard, or the Red Rizza, an adventurous Riesling fermented on Cabernet Franc skins.
By introducing New York wines to Australia and Australian wines to New York, Living Roots offers a unique cross-continental tasting experience. They are committed to sharing the distinct qualities of these two regions with wine lovers around the world, providing a fresh perspective on both.
Cultivating a Global Winemaking Vision
Seb and Colleen Hardy have built Living Roots Wine & Co. on a foundation of respect for tradition, curiosity, and a shared vision for sustainability.
Their dual-hemisphere approach allows them to take advantage of the unique growing conditions in each region, while their commitment to environmentally conscious practices strengthens their relationships with growers and the land. Living Roots is more than a winery—it’s a testament to the enduring power of family, place, and a shared passion for crafting thoughtful, expressive wines across continents.
