About the Conte Family and Estate
The origins of the Conte nameThe ancient surname of Conte and its Coat of Arms emerged around 1,000BC near the beginning of recorded history in ancient Rome; where the arts, culture, churches, galleries, buildings, cathedrals and museums hold untold treasures unequalled anywhere else in the world.
Viticulture and winemaking have been part of the Conte family tradition for many centuries. For over fifty years this tradition has remained strong with family owned and run vineyards in their home town of McLaren Vale, South Australia.
The History
The Conte Family 1910 – 1962
Born in Italy, Antonino Conte lived in America with his family at the ‘Ranch’ in Ossining, New York (home of the infamous Sing Sing prison), between 1914 -1925 where he did most of his schooling. He moved back to Italy again where he met and later married Giulia (Julia).
With 4 children they immigrated in 1953 to McLaren Vale, South Australia, from a little mountain top town of Sassinoro, three hours drive south of Rome. Noble in name and spirit, they brought with them the knowledge handed down from generations of vineyard and wine tradition and the commitment to hard work and family life. Their efforts led to them owning three McLaren Vale properties a few short years later.
There is no doubt that Antonino will also be remembered for his charismatic New York - Italian accent and for his keen interest in Australian and world politics.
The Conte Family 1962 onwards
Steve Conte purchased one of his father’s vineyards at age 21. He met Maria in South Australia through family friends, they fell in love and were married one year later, Steve was age 28, and Maria just 17.
Since then they have had 4 beloved children & have devoted their lives to nurturing commercial vineyards and making wine in McLaren Vale for over 40 years. They have a genuine love for their home town, their vineyards and their lifestyle. Steve can often be seen relaxing after a hard day with a stubby of beer on a warm and late afternoon before later enjoying a glass or two of wine with a nice big plate of pasta accompanied by the talented chef of the house, Maria.
The Conte Family 1910 – 1962
Born in Italy, Antonino Conte lived in America with his family at the ‘Ranch’ in Ossining, New York (home of the infamous Sing Sing prison), between 1914 -1925 where he did most of his schooling. He moved back to Italy again where he met and later married Giulia (Julia).
With 4 children they immigrated in 1953 to McLaren Vale, South Australia, from a little mountain top town of Sassinoro, three hours drive south of Rome. Noble in name and spirit, they brought with them the knowledge handed down from generations of vineyard and wine tradition and the commitment to hard work and family life. Their efforts led to them owning three McLaren Vale properties a few short years later.
There is no doubt that Antonino will also be remembered for his charismatic New York - Italian accent and for his keen interest in Australian and world politics.
The Conte Family 1962 onwards
Steve Conte purchased one of his father’s vineyards at age 21. He met Maria in South Australia through family friends, they fell in love and were married one year later, Steve was age 28, and Maria just 17.
Since then they have had 4 beloved children & have devoted their lives to nurturing commercial vineyards and making wine in McLaren Vale for over 40 years. They have a genuine love for their home town, their vineyards and their lifestyle. Steve can often be seen relaxing after a hard day with a stubby of beer on a warm and late afternoon before later enjoying a glass or two of wine with a nice big plate of pasta accompanied by the talented chef of the house, Maria.
Tony Conte, Founder
Steve and Maria Conte
2nd Generation