In 2020 we purchased some land in the north-western corner of Kenton Valley, high in the Adelaide Hills. The vision was to build a unique, productive and well considered rural property.

Fire-scarred and overgrown, the site lay along the top of the ridge between 450 and 495 metres above sea level, with magnificent views across the hills toward the Barossa and Eden Valleys to the north.

Most importantly the property contained a series of steep, well-drained, predominantly North facing slopes, each with its own unique aspect and soil profile.

Beneath the surface lay a complex mix of ancient iron-rich alluvial sediments, slate, shale and mica schists, interspersed with quartzite and talc.

Kenton Valley is shaped like a megaphone, gradually descending from 520 metres near Lobethal, and opening Northward toward the township of Gumeracha at 350 metres. The slope and aspect create excellent ripening conditions with protection from the afternoon sun, reliable air movement, and gentle convection drawing air along the valley floor.

The Valley, already known for producing excellent Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Nebbiolo gave us the opportunity to work with varieties we love, but also proven to belong here. We planted different clones of each variety on their own roots, in blocks designed around the individual character of the clones themselves. All of the vines are tended and pruned by hand and as you look northward through the vineyard, each block ripens in sequence, like a slow wave moving along the site. Each individual parcel of fruit is then hand picked and sorted before processing at the winery.

Our farming draws on proven biodynamic, organic and conventional practices. We also rely on the things that nature provides us such as clean air, reliable rainfall, abundant sunlight, patience and time.

“Rosasharn” (The Rose of Sharon Vineyard) is isolated from road pollution, fully solar-powered and certified sustainable. We are a member of Sustainable Wine Australia and undergo regular audits to improve long term sustainability.

When the vines are dormant, our registered purebred Speckle Park cattle gently wander through the vine rows, providing natural weed control and organic fertiliser over late autumn and winter.

We also enjoy working with young and emerging winemakers, giving them access to small parcels of premium fruit so they can explore the boundaries of our terroir in their own way. As part of our Kenton Valley collective their wines offer another window into the vineyard and through our shared experience we continue to build a deeper understanding of the site and its potential.