‘The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.’
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

As broken down in poetic detail by the modern stoic, Ryan Holiday, in his bestselling book, The Obstacle Is The Way, the above quote lays foundation for many battles, both big and small since being written down by the great emperor in AD170. Tom Keelan, is a story of precisely this challenge. Being asked by the large wine companies to grow alternative grape varieties on his land, only to have his contracts dropped with no notice once the vines had finally reached maturity. There would have been tears. There would have been thoughts of quitting, walking away. Enough of this farming, it’s all too hard.

But the challenge became the solution. Start a wine company, specialise in these alternative grapes that are producing exceptional fruit. Call it The Pawn Wine Co. to highlight this battle and take the fight to big business wine companies. And above all that, make sensational wines.

Tom began to identify more idyllic viticultural sites and hand selected parcels of fruit to produce wines that were not only a bit unconventional, but enjoyable to drink, incredibly food friendly, and made in a style that reflects their true origins – the ultimate in hand crafted wine.

Nominated as Dark Horse Winery of the Year by James Halliday in 2024, over the last decade Tom’s wines have won over 20 Wine Trophies Nationally and have been awarded countless medals. He is regarded as one of the most innovative winemakers in Australia, with awards not only for wine, but packaging and labelling, with The Australian Design Awards for the El Desperado range.

By staying small and hands-on, The Pawn can continue to create uniquely hand-crafted wines.

At The Pawn – Size does matter.