About the winery
Planted in 1983 to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir by the Leith family, the Uley Vineyard was established only four growing seasons after the first vines were planted by Brian Croser in 1979 and a year after Stephen George established the neighbouring Ashton Hills vineyard and label. The property was then briefly owned by Ian Wilson to pursue his ill-fated dream of producing Australia’s finest ‘Grand Cru’ sparkling wine, before Lindsay and Carolyn assumed custodianship. As the months turned to years, Lindsay’s desire to trade his stethoscope for pruning shears became a reality, and in 2002 he achieved his Graduate Diploma in Oenology at the University of Adelaide’s Waite Campus. As caretakers of one of the earliest planted vineyards in the region, the Barratts are now recognised as pioneer winemakers in the Adelaide Hills with a reputation for premium quality and pure varietal expression. The owner of an equally stunning mortgage, Lindsay continued working as a physician whilst employing a vineyard manager and having the wines made off site. Initially, daunted by the size of his mortgage, Lindsay worried that the dream might only last six months. Nevertheless, he and Carolyn were sure it would be a wonderful six months.
Varietals
When to go
Good to know
Location
Summertown, South Australia, Australia