The Silos Estate | Berry NSW
A City to Cellar Getaway to the South Coast
After years immersed in high-pressure boardrooms and city life, Rajarshi (Raj) Ray and his family made a bold move: they traded the city for the rolling hills of the South Coast. Their destination? A picturesque vineyard just two hours south of the city, the perfect place to raise their children, run a business, and completely reinvent their lifestyle.
“We made the decision to embrace the country lifestyle and raise our children here,” Raj says. “It’s been fabulous. The countryside is stunning, with beautiful beaches, rolling valleys, and more than 40 charming towns and villages dotted along the South Coast of New South Wales.”
With no winemaking experience, Raj dove headfirst into the world of viticulture. “This journey has been about becoming part of a community,” he explains. “When people visit this region, they quickly realise just how special it is.”
With just four owners over 150 years, Silos Estate is like a fine wine —aged with grace and stories to tell.
Long before the vines were planted, the land was home to deep Indigenous heritage, spanning thousands of years. From a European perspective, Silos Estate was founded in 1870 by James Wiley, a Methodist from County Tyrone, Ireland.
“Interestingly, he was a teetotaller, I’m not sure how he’d feel about a winery now sitting on his old property!” Raj jokes.
This rich past is more than historical trivia—it’s something Raj and his family treat with respect. Now in their 18th year as custodians, they’re continuing a legacy that has always been rooted in stewardship and recognition of those who came before them.
Today, Silos Estate is more than just a winery—it’s an immersive experience. The picture postcard property includes a boutique hotel, a restaurant, and even an alpaca farm. Visitors can stay in vineyard-view rooms, dine on seasonal regional cuisine at Silos Kitchen, and take in the natural beauty of the Shoalhaven.
And getting there is half the fun. The estate is one of Australia’s most accessible eco-destinations. Guests can arrive by whatever means they most enjoy, including by motorcycle, bicycle, car and even by air, making use of the estate’s private helicopter landing pad.
“We’re open seven days a week,” says Raj. “Whether you’re a wine lover, a nature seeker, or a family just looking for a day out—we’ve got something for everyone.”
“They’re beautiful, curious animals – with eyelashes much longer than mine!” Raj laughs. “As someone who grew up in the city, I find a 60-kilo alpaca a lot less intimidating than a one-and-a-half-tonne bull.”
The alpacas aren’t just for show. Their fleece and meat are used on-site, and the team has even established an alpaca centre at the cellar door. It’s these unique details that make a visit to Silos feel like discovering a hidden gem.
Silos Estate produces wine under two labels. The first, Silos Estate, is made entirely on-site using grapes grown in the Shoalhaven region. The second, Wiley’s Creek, sources fruit from vineyards across the Yarra Valley and Adelaide Hills.
“We wanted to expand,” Raj says. “Now we produce everything from sparkling whites and reds to still, sweet, dry, and everything in between.”
This diversity allows the team to explore the influence of climate and terroir, offering wines that reflect not just one region, but a broader story of Australian viticulture.
Environmental stewardship is at the heart of the Silos philosophy. The estate has been carbon neutral for energy since 2007 and is on track to achieve full net zero by then end of 2025.
With head chef Rory Finn at the helm, Silos Kitchen takes a paddock-to-plate approach, crafting seasonal menus that celebrate the Shoalhaven’s finest ingredients. By championing local producers and reducing food miles, Rory creates dishes that are as sustainable as they are delicious.
“Ultimately, our goal is to leave the land better than we found it,” says Raj.
From corporate cubicles to vineyard rows, the transformation of Raj and his family is inspiring. Silos Estate is more than a destination—it’s a testament to what happens when passion, people, and place come together.