Wirra Wirra

McLaren Vale | Wirra Wirra Vineyards was originally established in 1894 by known South Australian eccentric and cricketer Robert Strangways Wigley.

The winery prospered in its early days, producing many wines including a much acclaimed Shiraz, which was exported to England and the Empire until his death in 1926.

The winery ran into disrepair and was eventually abandoned. In 1969 under the watchful eye of the late Greg Trott and his cousin Roger, the winery was rebuilt from the remnants of two walls and some slate fermenting tanks. As with all subsequent Trott endeavours, it was the sheer magnitude and unlikeliness of the project that made it so attractive.

Established in 1894, the historic ironstone cellars that have been at the heart of Wirra Wirra have recently been refurbished to create a world class tourism facility that shows off the very best of what Wirra Wirra and McLaren Vale has to offer.

Whether you're looking for a simple tasting and platter or one of Wirra Wirra's new behind the scene tours, Wirra Wirra has a range of attractions for visitors travelling into the Vale.

The refurbished cellar door has much to offer for the seasoned wine connoisuer or complete novice, with all Wirra Wirra wines listed including a range of Cellar Door exclusives that can only be found within the hallowed Cellars at Wirra Wirra.

McLaren Vale

McLaren Vale's favourable climate and geographical factors make it ideal for grape growing and producing regionally distinctive wines year after year. We enjoy a typical Mediterranean climate with the moderating influence of the sea tempering the summer heat and the cold of winter. The climate is characterised by warm summers, moderate winters, winter-dominant rainfall (580-mm per annum), low relative humidity and relatively high evaporation. Rain during the harvest period and frost are rare. For the viticulturist this means less likelihood of crop damage and low disease pressure.

McLaren Vale has numerous micro-climates within the region, determined by variation in altitude and soil type associated with the complex geological formations. This variation provides scope for the winemakers of the region to produce wines of varied and distinctive character.

Rainfall is sufficient in some areas to allow dry growing, resulting in further character and distinction in these wines.

Where irrigation is used, drip irrigation is favoured (no other sort of watering is used). There are sufficient sources of good quality underground water and irrigation dams to maintain vine growth, with McLaren Vale considered one of the most efficient regions for water usage in Australia.

Adelaide Hills

The Adelaide Hills has a strong domestic and international reputation as home to some of Australia's most elegant cool climate wines, displaying great finesse and varietal intensity.

The region is located in the Mount Lofty Ranges, east of Adelaide, the capital of South Australia. Stretching in a narrow band approximately 70km long, the highest vineyards are sited between 600-650 metres altitude in areas such as Crafers, Summertown, Piccadilly and Carey Gully.

The summer months are generally warm and dry with average daytime temperatures and cool nights, considerably cooler than other Australian wine regions. Average rainfall is also higher, with rain occurring mainly during the winter months and varying significantly across the region.

It may surprise some to learn that 'The Hills' is one of the largest geographical wine regions in Australia and amongst the most diverse in terms of climate, soil and topography. The region consists of two registered sub-regions, Lenswood and Piccadilly Valley. In fact Lenswood vineyards have been the prime source for The 12th Man Chardonnay and Hiding Champion Sauvignon Blanc.

Open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pm

Looking for a private tour that goes behind the scenes of Wirra Wirra and McLaren Vale? Wirra Wirra has a series of intimate small tours that range from a one hour private tasting right up to Wirra Wirra's Signature Day Tour. Starting from $25pp Check out our website to book.

Lunch and light meals are on offer via Harry's Deli - a relaxing indoor/outdoor caf� with killer coffee and fresh produce from Wirra Wirra's favourite local providores.

Transport for tours is available via Getaways SA, Wirra Wirra's official tour partner, and for corporates looking for a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city there is now a private meeting space available on request in Wirra Wirra's historic RS Wigley Room.

OPENING HOURS

Monday - Saturday : 10am - 5pm Sunday : 11am - 5pm