Vineyard

There are 2 properties that have been family owned and run for over 50 years. The ‘home block’ of 65 acres is 5kms east of the McLaren Vale township, via Sand road. It was originally part of a property named Latta's. This 120 acre plot of land was planted to Shiraz and Grenache in 1880, and was then purchased by Thomas Hardy in 1887, who named it Glen Hardy. It has significant historical importance as it was either the first or second vineyard bought after Thomas Hardy purchased Tintara Wine Company in 1886.     

The soil types here vary between heavy biscay on clay and sand on clay. Varieties grown include Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer & Chardonnay.

The signature 'Over The Hill' Reserve Shiraz is made with grapes from the original vineyard confirmed to be planted in the year 1880. Many old vines were cleared but this was one of the few survivors and is the oldest existing Shiraz vineyard in McLaren Vale. Covering an area of 2.4 ha (6 acres), they were originally bush vines and were later trellised with posts and wire in the early 80's. Even though they are decrepit, twisted and seemingly 'Over The Hill', they still manage to bear fruit of great substance, intensity and grace.    

The 'Hunt Road' Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon wine is made from a 3 ha (7.6 acre) block of Cabernet Sauvignon vines, planted in 1970. These thirty plus year old vines produce fruit of intense varietal flavour and deep colour. Hunt Road was once an early carriageway in McLaren Vale, and runs immediately adjacent to these Cabernet vines.   

The second property, once called by it's Aboriginal name 'Tattachilla', is situated 3kms west of the McLaren Vale township. The soil types are  made up of loam on limestone, loam on clay and loam on shale, limestone and sandstone. Varieties grown here are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc & Chardonnay in an area of 40 ha (100 acres).

The Grenache block takes up an area of 11 ha (27 acres), and was planted 45 years ago in 1965 by Tony Conte, and his 2 sons, Steve & Rocco. These are the grapes used to make the Grenache and Grenache Shiraz wines. They were grown as 'bush' vines until the mid 80's, until they were trellised with posts and wire.  

The 'Rock Hill' Shiraz wine is from the block we call ‘The Rock Hill’. It covers an area of 8 ha (20 acres), and was planted 16 years ago. It has a view of the sea between a neighbouring valley. Immediately below is a spring fed lake frequented by pelicans, ducks and other birdlife. This 'Rock Hill' block has a thin layer of loamy top soil overlying lots of lumpy limestone, sharp flat shale and some menacing blocks of sandstone. The vines seem to love this growing medium even though our tractors don’t!