| Region of production: | South Australia |
| Winery Location: | Clare Valley |
| Year Established: | 1959 |
Vineyard Holdings
250 ha
- Armagh Vineyard: 8.15 acres; planted to Shiraz in 1968.
- Florita Vineyard: purchased during vine-pull scheme in 1986; planted to Riesling; soil is loamy clay over limestone.
- Lodge Hill Vineyard: Historically known as „Wolta Wolta.“ 480 meter elevation, purchased in 1977.
- Old Cricket Ground Vineyard (Coonawarra): planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, “terra rossa” soil over limestone.
Top Wines Produced & Inaugural Vintages
- The Armagh Shiraz: Classified as Langton’s Exceptional. Inaugural vintage 1985.
- The McRae Wood Shiraz
Average Total Production
- 960,000 bottles
Summary
Patriarch Jim Barry founded the estate with wife Nancy in 1959 and his Armagh Shiraz is an icon in the Clare Valley region. The winery is now run by second and third generation Barrys, all graduates of Adelaide’s Oenology program. Jim’s son Peter took over as Managing Director in 1985 and started expanding the estate’s vineyard holdings, including adding a 35-acre Coonawarra property planted to Cabernet Sauvignon. Following stints in the Mosel and Austria, third generation Tom Barry has now taken over winemaker duties. Jim Barry passed away in 2004.
Style & Vinification Techniques
A benchmark for Clare Valley, the Jim Barry wines are typically held back from release until they are deemed ready for consumption.
Producer Website: Jim Barry