JIM BARRY WINES VINEYARDS

The Land

Located on a north-west facing slope at an elevation of 367 metres and bisected by the Armagh Creek, the western half of the vineyard is an alluvial flat, while the eastern half gently slopes towards the creek. The 70-acre property was previously owned by Duncan McRae Wood and used to graze dairy cows before being purchased by Jim and Nancy Barry in 1964. Located two kilometres northwest of Clare on the opposite side of the hill on which the Jim Barry Winery is located, it is home to the famed The Armagh, The Benbournie Cabernet Sauvignon, and The McRae Wood Shiraz. The vineyard derives its name from a nearby hamlet of Armagh, established by Irish settlers in 1849 and named after the lush, rolling hills of their homeland. In 1964, Jim Barry first plated 900 Malbec and 2500 Cabernet Sauvignon vines, followed by a further eight acres of Shiraz vines in 1968

Soil Profile

The area where the Armagh vineyard is found contains the region's oldest rock from the Rhynie Sandstone Formation, dating back more than 800 million years. The Armagh vineyard is characterised by a light brown, sandy clay topsoil with a pebbly alluvial layer overlaying a mottled clay subsoil.

The Fruit

Planted with shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec, the 50-year-old Shiraz vines follow the contours of the north-west-facing slopes to prevent soil erosion and ensure winter rains soak in. The combination of low-fertility soil and good exposure aids the natural devigoration of the vines, producing small-berried and intensely flavoured bunches. Receiving an average rainfall of 580mm per year, the vineyard requires minimal intervention to maintain yields of below 1.5 tonnes per acre, producing rich and concentrated fruit of the rare quality required to create exceptional wines with ageing potential.

The Land

Located fifteen kilometres south of the Clare township in the tiny village of Watervale, the famous Riesling vineyard was planted to Palomino in 1946 for making Fino Sherry and replanted to Riesling in 1962. The birthplace of Leo Buring Watervale Riesling, Florita was where legendary winemaker John Vickery sourced grapes for his great Watervale Rieslings of the 1960s and 1970s. The 80=acre vineyard was sold by globally-owned, multi-national company, Lindeman's, to Mark, Peter and John Barry on June 20, 1986. A property of gently rolling hills with its best fruit coming from vines planted in the shallow loamy soils, the vineyard has good air-drainage which alleviates the risk of frosts.

Soil Profile

The Florita Vineyard is characterised by a medium brown, loamy topsoil over a khaki-grey, calcareous siltstone of the Mintaro Shale Formation.

The Fruit

The vineyard is dominated by 50-year-old Riesling vines, but also has a planting of Assyrtiko.

Land

Spring Farm, now one of Jim Barry Wines’ most iconic vineyards, has deep historical roots dating back to the early colonial days of South Australia. Originally part of the expansive Wolta Wolta pastoral run, established in 1839, the land underwent various transformations over the decades. By the 1920s, the property had gained renown as a prestigious horse stud. In 1977, Jim and Nancy Barry, along with their sons, purchased the remaining 325 acres of Wolta Wolta with the intention of reviving its equestrian legacy. However, shifting market confidence in Australian wine inspired them to pivot, and the first Riesling vines were planted in 1979. To fund this venture, the Barrys sold the property's southwest corner to Jim’s brother, Brian Barry, who named his 80-acre holding Spring Farm. The rest of the property was called Lodge Hill. Over the years, both Spring Farm and Lodge Hill thrived as vineyards, prompting further plantings. In 2006, Jim Barry Wines reacquired Spring Farm, reuniting the estate and consolidating it under the name Spring Farm. Today, the land is divided into three distinct vineyard parcels, each carefully managed to optimize conditions for vine health and fruit quality.

Soil

On the north side of the ridge at 514 metres above sea level, the shiraz vineyard is characterised by 40 to 50 centimetres of chocolatey loam topsoil over grey siltstone. The weathered siltstone and clay with some thin calcareous siltstones make it the ideal environment for low-yielding Shiraz vines. On the south side of the crest at 497 metres, the Riesling vineyard is brown loamy topsoil over siltstone. The cracks between the sheets of siltstone, providing passage for the vine roots and free drainage, are filled with rich soil and provide good water holding capacity. The alkaline siltstone limits root development, making it the ideal environment for growing intensely flavoured, finely structured Rieslings. The Riesling vines are planted on south-facing slopes and only receive full exposure to the sun in the cool of the morning, while Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec vines occupy north-facing slopes, with longer and warmer exposure to sunlight.

Climate

Spring Farm enjoys a cool growing climate, largely due to its elevation, which ranges between 450 and 495 metres above sea level. This altitude extends the growing season, allowing grapes to ripen more slowly and develop greater complexity. The vineyard’s gentle slopes and thoughtful orientation to the sun play a major role in maximizing fruit quality. North-facing slopes and higher elevations are typically planted to red varieties like shiraz and cabernet sauvignon to benefit from more intense sun exposure, whereas south-facing and lower-lying areas are reserved for Riesling, taking advantage of gentler morning sun and cooler afternoon conditions. The climate, combined with excellent sunlight exposure and lower disease pressure, creates near-ideal conditions for consistent, high-quality grape production.

Fruit

The vineyard supports a diverse array of grape varieties, with a strong focus on both classic and emerging types. Riesling remains the standout white variety, with key blocks—particularly Blocks 114 and 18—consistently producing wines of remarkable intensity, finesse, and low to moderate alcohol levels (typically 10.5 to 12% abv). These Rieslings are matured in bottle for up to a decade before release, revealing layers of complexity and aging potential that rival the best wines of the Clare Valley. Alongside Riesling, the vineyard also grows Assyrtiko, a Greek white variety that thrives in similar conditions and is planted near the Riesling blocks. Red varieties are also well represented, with shiraz and cabernet sauvignon established on the sunnier, elevated slopes. A smaller parcel of Malbec is located in the south-eastern corner of the property. The Spring Farm label highlights the best fruit from the vineyard, showcasing not just the varietal character but the precise terroir expression of each block. These wines are crafted for longevity and food pairing, earning their place among the region’s most respected bottles.