Carlei Estate and Carlei Green Vineyards is an award winning organic and biodynamic winery by Sergio Carlei. Cellar Door & Pizzeria, overlooking rolling hills, offering traditional Italian pizzas.

OUR STORY
Sergio Carlei, like most Italians, begun his love for wine making in the family garage as a hobby, inspired from watching his "Nonno" growing up, while running his successful chiropractic clinic in Beaumaris.

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Sergio graduated as a Chemist from Melbourne University in 1983 and begun his career as a chemist for the petrochemical industry. While working in the petrochemical industry, Sergio was stunned by research from a professional journal that the average life expectancy of an individual in his industry was 41 years old, usually dying of cancer. From that revelation, he decided to change his career path to pursue a career in the health sciences and Sergio graduated as a Doctor of Chiropractic in 1988. Whilst practising, he simultaneously studied for a professional degree in oenology, graduating with his wine making degree in 1996.

In 1996, Sergio was also diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, being told he would only possibly live for only another 2 years. A bone marrow transplant was a potential option for treatment, however, even after a transplant the rate of living a 'normal life' was only 30% and this included a high possibility of major organ failure. Quite ironic, Sergio was reading about this while he was a chemist!

Accordingly, Sergio rejected the transplant, and set his new life direction on helping his body heal himself. Sergio mapped out this 'return to health' plan, and changed his whole lifestyle - eating raw foods and acquiring the property in Upper Beaconsfield, now planted with vines. Two years later, Sergio's cancer was in remission, and the experience has led to his wine making philosophy that he practices today.

Today, Sergio's achievements include being the first and only winemaker for 4 of the top 10 best new wineries in the 2007 Wine Companion by Australia's leading and most notable wine critic, James Halliday. In the companions that follow, all the wineries Sergio has consulted and produced wines for have all been accredited with the highest rating achievable (5 RED Stars), placing them all in the top 6% of Australian wineries.

Sergio's wines have been highly received by many critics, both in Australia and abroad.

Sergio and his wife Mary have seven children and live on their property in Upper Beaconsfield.

CARLEI ESTATE CELLAR DOOR & PIZZERIA
For all restaurant Bookings and enquiries please call the team on 03-5944 4599.

Friendly and inviting, the Cellar Door & Pizzeria is both a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Tradition and passion for good food and wine runs deep in the Carlei family, and is certainly reflected in the attention to detail to every aspect of their Cellar Door & Pizzeria.

In keeping with the Italian heritage, as well as their commitment to organic produce, only the finest ingredients go into their pizzas with their recipe dating back generations. By stepping into the Carlei Estate's Cellar Door & Pizzeria you are receiving an authentic experience in the Italian way of life.

The views of the vines and surrounding picturesque rolling hills of Upper Beaconsfield and the Dandenongs are the perfect backdrop to experience Sergio Carlei's uniquely hand crafted wines. Add our treats of the kitchen, which range from different cured meats to wood fired pizzas, you will be sure to enjoy an afternoon here with us.