Rob Moody is the man behind Somerled; measured in approach, generous in spirit, and quietly devoted to the craft of timeless winemaking.

His technique can be summed up in three words: complexity, maturity, balance.

Patience defines his craft. He refuses to rush a wine, giving it the time it needs to develop the right harmony. His methods are traditional at heart yet quietly original; from ageing Shiraz longer in barrel to giving rosé a rare malolactic fermentation for unexpected delicacy.

Every bottle carries his hallmark. The wines are inviting and easy to drink, yet layered with detail and crafted for those who appreciate subtlety over show. His barrel-aged Shiraz unfolds with remarkable depth, while his pale, bone-dry rosé offers an elegant, unexpected richness.

Though admired across the industry, Rob remains the same gentle soul he’s always been; curious, generous, and quick with a dry wit. You’ll often find him at the bar, ready to chat about barrels, balance, or whatever’s just been poured.
To taste his wines is to understand Somerled; not just the label, but the people, stories, and quiet conviction behind every pour.

Rob’s wife, Heather has been part of Somerled from the very beginning, and her touch is felt in every corner of the cellar bar. Most memorably, she is behind the menu that guests have come to love, with dishes she not only devised but still prepares by hand. 

Many of the favourites are her own creations, made fresh each day; from her umami-rich anchovy sticks with melt-in-the-mouth pastry, to the warm, crisp gluten-free cheese puffs crafted from a recipe by her dear friend, Rilka Warbanoff. 

Add to that the oozy croques monsieur, inspired by a recipe Lucy brought back from New York and it’s clear that food and wine are woven seamlessly through family life.

Before Somerled, Heather built a career as a French teacher and later as an editor at Inspirations Magazine. Her flair for hospitality, however, had already been proven. 

In the 1970s, she co-founded Send-A-Basket with her sister Annie and mother Barb, delivering handmade pâté, breadsticks, and miniature bottles of champagne, an idea so ahead of it’s time that it drew media attention in newspapers and on morning television.

Today, Heather’s generosity, creativity, and quiet elegance continue to shape Somerled, ensuring that every visit feels welcoming and personal.

As Rob’s daughter, Lucy grew up surrounded by her family’s passion for wine, food, and hospitality.

An avid traveller with a love for food, wine, and connection, Lucy found her perfect place in hospitality. For her, there’s little more exciting than creating spaces where people can eat, drink, socialise, and share in moments of joy. 

From curating menus to hosting private parties and member events, Lucy brings Somerled’s spirit to life through experiences that feel both elegant and welcoming. Hands-on from the beginning, she even lived behind the cellar bar in its early years to keep things running, a dedication that shaped the culture of Somerled as a place for genuine hospitality.

Lucy’s path has taken her across the world, with time spent working in hospitality and wine in Dublin and Hong Kong. Yet no matter how far she roams, she’s a country soul at heart. Today, she thrives in the Adelaide Hills, living in beautiful Mylor with her partner, while continuing to shape Somerled into a space that feels as personal to its guests as it does to her family.

Emma, Rob and Heather’s eldest daughter, lives, and works in Brooklyn, New York, with her lively cockapoo, Herschel. Though based overseas, she returns to the Adelaide Hills as often as she can, spending most of her holidays at Somerled. You’ll often find her happily behind the bar when she’s home, chatting with members and new customers alike, and helping to share the Somerled story.

Emma’s career has been one of words and storytelling. She began as a journalist at The Advertiser before moving to The Australian in Sydney and Melbourne. From there she joined Bloomberg, working in both Sydney and New York, until the Wall Street Journal whisked her away, where she spent 15 years shaping international stories.

Beyond journalism, Emma has a passion for long-distance running. She has completed marathons in New York, Chicago, London, Boston, and Berlin.

Though her life is now centred in Brooklyn, Emma remains deeply connected to Somerled, bringing her sharp eye for detail, love of people, and global perspective back to the family whenever she’s home.