The Property
Pindarie, Aboriginal for "Hilly Place", is located at the gateway to the Barossa Valley, on the Western Ridge.
Pindarie today is a sustainable blend of sheep, pastures and
vines. The sheep graze amongst 120-year-old olive trees scattered throughout the hills in summer, then graze amongst the vineyards in winter (natural fertilizer is great for vines). Hay and pastures are grown on the lower paddocks where the soil is more fertile, and vines are grown on the stonier less fertile eastern slopes of the Western Ridge. All this blends in with the harmony of the surrounding native vegetation. Since 1990, thousands of indigenous native trees and shrubs have been planted throughout the property. A six-hectare reserve along one of the creeks has been fenced off and revegetated to help conserve the flora and fauna that are indigenous to this area. We believe biodiversity is an important factor in sustainable agriculture today.
Housed in an old grain store and heritage stables, the
cellar door has been meticulously restored from the ground up by Tony. Most materials used have been recycled, from salvage yards & clearing sales, locally and around South Australia. The slate for the veranda came from the property and the original old tin roof sheeting has been used as the ceiling.
It is well worth a visit for lovers of historical buildings!
Everything at Pindarie is in its right place, every hand placed stone and every planted vine. Each variety we grow offers a different taste to discover; all with exceptional depth of flavour and vibrancy.
The Western Ridge of the Barossa is a little different to the rest of our region. Here we have red brown earths and terra rossa strips on the upper ridge and our climate at Pindarie is best described as warm continental with a Mediterranean influence. These elements ensure that our wines are perfumed and aromatic, lively and bursting with flavour.
Pindarie is a pioneer and regional leader of emerging variety viticulture and home to compelling classic varietals that gives wine lovers the expertise and quality promise to confidently open doors and discover new favourites.
As a certified member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, Pindarie is committed to farming sustainably. Wendy, a viticulturist, and Tony, an agriculturist, have spent their entire lives on the land and vineyards, this has given them a deep understanding of the significance of sustainable farming.
Over 15,000 native trees have been planted on the property since 1990, of which six hectares is fenced off as a dedicated native reserve. These plantings have resulted in a haven of natural biodiversity. Beneficial insects are in abundance eliminating the need for insecticides.
Some of our sustainable practices:
- Planting more than 15,000 native trees over 30 years
- Maintaining and caring for six hectares of fenced off native reserves
- Growing our own firewood
- Installing and using solar power
- Utilising recycled materials in all restoration projects where possible
- Recycling our bottles, cardboard & vineyard waste
- Sheep control weeds in the vineyards throughout winter - fertilising as they wander
- Reclaimed water is mixed with local irrigation supply to water the grounds and the property
The Vineyards
Collapsible content
About The Vineyards
Area – 36 hectares
Elevation – 170m-250m undulating
Aspect – Eastern slopes with rows running North / South
Soils – Red brown earths and Terra Rossa strips on the upper ridge
Vineyard plantings – 1998 onwards
Rainfall – 470mm average annual
Shiraz
Shiraz is the classic variety of the Barossa Valley and ours was planted in 1998 being the first vineyard for the Pindarie Property. Clone 1654 was selected, being well suited to the climate and sought-after red soils of the Barossa. Our Shiraz highlights different sub-regional characteristics due to the difference in terroir from the Valley floor.
Tempranillo
Tempranillo is one of Spain’s most important red varieties and is well suited to our site, being similar in the climate and terrain of Spain. Temprano means early in Spanish, which indicates Tempranillo’s ability to ripen early. Clone D8V12 was planted in 2001, highlighting thick skinned, low acid berries, making it the perfect match with Sangiovese, and a fitting co-star in the “TSS” blend.
Cabernet Sauvignon
First planted in 2001 using CW44, a Coonawarra clone, selected for its high-quality performance and smaller berries. A single vineyard block, suited to the warmth of Pindarie’s sub-region. This variety offers generosity and depth each vintage. Small berries and low yields mean winemaking techniques are kept simple and gentle.
Sangiovese
Sangiovese is an Italian variety originating from the central part of Italy and the principal variety used in wines of Tuscany. It is well suited to our red brown earth soils and especially the stonier sections where it can express its true characteristics. Being a slower ripening variety with high acid, it marries well in a blend with Tempranillo, and it also makes a delicious dry Rosé.
Montepulciano
In 2014 we planted two acres of the Italian variety Montepulciano. Originating from central and southern Italy, it is another variety that loves the conditions on the Western Ridge. It is late ripening with low acidity, strong tannins and produces vibrant wines that improve for 3 to 4 years after vintage. Our “Small Block” Montepulciano is a welcome addition to the Pindarie stable of wines.
Fiano
We first planted Fiano in 2019 to have an estate-grown white that suited our warmer climate. Originating from Sicily and Campania in southern Italy, it's known as the “Vine of the Bees”. It's a white variety that ripens quite late compared to other white varieties and is renowned for retaining high acidity, ideal for the warmer growing conditions on the Western ridge. It's hand-picked at an optimum ripeness of around 12.5 Baume and sorted in the vineyard before crushing.
