Hardys Reynella: In the Fleurieu Peninsula region of South Australia
Hardys Reynella Winery established in 1838 as Chateau Reynella enjoys the unrivalled prestige as the birthplace of South Australia's internationally renowned wine industry and the proud home of the State's oldest operating winery.
The Reynell name goes back to the very beginning of the wine industry in South Australia, when John Reynell planted some of the first vines in the infant colony in the area that was later to bear his name. This pioneer of the grape was born in 1809 of a Devonshire farming family.
Shortly after his arrival in 1838 John Reynell established his property, situated 20 kilometres south of Adelaide and 5 kilometres east of St. Vincent's Gulf - the gateway to the McLaren Vale wine region.
The Reynell family was actually the first to grow grapes commercially for winemaking in South Australia. Their first vintage was in 1842.
Tragically, the heirs to the Reynell business were killed in World War 2 and in 1953 the Reynell family relinquished its controlling interest in the company and Colin Haselgrove, the winemaker, was appointed managing director.
In 1970 Walter Reynell and Sons Limited was sold to Hungerford Hill Limited. In 1972 Hungerford Hill sold a half share of its wine interest to Rothmans of Pall Mall. Towards the end of 1976 Rothmans took complete control of the company after the joint venture was dissolved.
In 1982 however, the old established SA family winemakers, Thomas Hardy and Sons Pty Limited bought Walter Reynell and Sons from Rothmans, with the aim of making the Reynella premises the corporate headquarters for their group of companies.
Since that time Hardys has grown into one of Australia's leading wine companies and is one of the ten largest wine groups in the world with an annual crush of some 260,000 tonnes.
Hardys is one of the largest suppliers of quality wines in Australia and occupies over 20% of the market.
In the international marketplace Hardys exports to over 60 countries with the Hardys brand being the second largest selling label in the UK.
Today visitors to the site can take a self guided tour through the botanic gardens and past the historical buildings before returning to Cellar Door to taste a number of the premium wines produced by the Hardys group.
On site, the ‘Reynell Café’ is open weekdays from 11am – 3pm offering lunch, light meals, tea and coffee. Hardys Reynella also has a number of varying function areas available for conference groups, meetings, dinners and private tastings. From the heritage listed ‘Old Cave’ to the tastefully restored and decorated ‘Wood Maturation Room’ groups of 24 to 180 can be accommodated to match their style of function.
Hardys Reynella Winery is open Monday to Friday 10am to 4.30pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm and Sunday 11am to 4pm. The winery is closed on Public Holidays.
Hardys Reynella
Reynella Road, Reynella 5161
Ph. +61 (0)8 8392 2300
Fax. +61 (0)8 8392 2301
Email. reynella.cellardoor@hardys.com.auVisit Hardys Tintara Winery in McLaren Vale.
