Wirra Wirra Wines – Rebuilding from the ruins

by James Clarke Wine Lover

Wirra Wirra winery was established in 1894. It was originally owned by South Australian cricketer Robert Stangways Wigley. For the first few years the winery performed well, and its wines were exported to England. During that period, it produced an acclaimed Shiraz. In 1926, after Wigly’s death, the winery eventually closed. In 1969, the winery was rebuilt by the combined efforts of Greg Trott and cousin Roger from its remnants. Three years later, the winery produced its first wine - The Church Block, under Greg’s guidance.

Vineyards

Its vineyards are present in Adelaide Hills which is home to cool climate wines and the McLaren Vale region which is known for its microclimate and a Mediterranean climate.

There are 6 vineyards under the winery. These are - Nocowie, Scrubby Rise, Chook Block, Woodhenge,’73 Block and House Block.

The winery incorporates organic and biodynamic practices. It has received certification in year 2013 from NASAA Group which is an International and Australian Organic Certifier.

Sustainability

Wirra Wirra wines has taken important steps towards sustainability. Few of them are listed below -

· It is a member of Australian Packaging Covenant which is an initiative to reduce the amount of packaging material entering waste lines.

· It reduced the consumption of electricity by 50% and cut down carbon emission by 60% during 2013-2014.

· The winery has planted 4700 trees in the region since 2011.

Range	Major Wines
RGT Collection	Catapult Shiraz Woodhenge Shiraz 12^th Man Chardonnay
Flagship	Angelus Cabernet Sauvignon RSW Shiraz Absconder Grenache
Mr. Wigly	Mrs Wigly Grenache Rose Mrs Wigly Moscato
Scrubby Rise	Scrubby Rise Sauvignon Blanc Semillon Scrubby Rise Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Scrubby Rise Chardonnay