The Vineyard History

Barwang vineyard is situated along the South West Slopes of the Great Dividing Range, nestled between Harden and Young at an altitude of 520m.  This area enjoys reliable rainfall, with mild days and cool nights, allowing for the slow, even ripening of fruit.

The region’s high altitude, cool prevailing winds from the Great Dividing Range, which offset higher temperatures during the summer months, and the high minerality of the soil are three significant elements combining to make the Hilltops a distinctive wine producing region. A dry summer and autumn, with cool nights and mild days exacerbate the extended ripening period.

The soils are deep red, decomposed granite clays impregnated with basalt. The microclimates and terroir around Barwang Vineyard dictate regional characteristics, and act as a natural protection from the warm inland summer, reducing the risk of heat stress. The result is ideal growing conditions for making premium wine: grapes achieving maximum ripeness, ideal acid, flavour and colour retention, and intense dark fruit characters. As a safeguard against drought conditions, a massive 100 million litre dam has been built to capitalise on the natural spring and rain fed water source.

It is an outstanding grape growing area, conditions often compared to Southern Rhone in France. It is no surprise Barwang produces distinctive spicy, peppery Shiraz, producing some of the best red grapes in Australia. The fruit attains physical ripeness at the higher end of the sugar spectrum, achieving flavour intensity and balance. Our wines display intensity, depth and concentration, the benefit of 30 year old plus vines.

Barwang is a cornerstone vineyard in the Hilltops region. Founded in 1969 by the Robertson family, and later owned and run by the McWilliam family. Barwang has earned a powerful reputation for its grapes and wines. Since 1990, Barwang has won more than 1,000 medals at Australian and international wine shows. Barwang was recognised as a 5 Red Star Winery by the respected wine writer James Halliday, an honour bestowed on only 3% of Australian wineries.