Wirra Wirra Vineyards: At McLaren Vale, in the Fleurieu Peninsula region of South Australia

(text & photos supplied by Sightseeing South Australia)

Wirra Wirra is a must see winery that should never be missed when touring this fabulous wine-making region, not just for its superb wines, but also for its picturesque setting.

Wirra Wirra's trademark front fence is a feature in itself. "Woodhenge" as it is known, is made from ancient blue gum, with some of the three-tonne fence posts being more than two metres in diameter! This is less fence, more elemental sculpture!

The cellar door is a warm and friendly place. Music will usually be heard ringing from the rafters, made with beams salvaged from a demolished Methodist church in Adelaide. In winter a blazing fire in the open hearths welcome visitors and in summer the ironstone walls shield you from the heat and offer cooling solace.

Wirra Wirra Vineyards is an historic site, which was originally built in the 1890s and by 1903, was producing substantial quantities of wine that was primarily exported back to the British Empire. Cousins Greg and Roger Trott restored the building in 1969 and relaunched the Wirra Wirra brand.

There is nothing quirky about the design of the winery, which is in its third stage of development. Although functional and technologically advanced, the cellars retain a soul due largely to the spirit of the tribe that work there. Stylistically, Wirra Wirra established itself for producing wines of elegance, balance and complexity.

A visit to Wirra Wirra is a rewarding experience and if you encounter a person with a bemused expression, don't be fooled, as it is probably Greg Trott contemplating weighty matters for the next decade of Wirra Wirra's future.

Wirra Wirra Vineyards is located 4km southeast of the township of McLaren Vale down the McMurtrie Road from The Salopian Inn in an area known as Bethany.

Wirra Wirra Vineyards
McMurtrie Road, McLaren Vale 5171
Phone: (08) 8329 4701
Web: www.wirrawirra.com.au