Keeping it in the family: Wirra Wirra gains new/old vineyard

Wirra Wirra is to acquire the 70+-year-old Trott Vineyard in Blewitt Springs, one of Australia’s most significant grenache sites.

Wirra Wirra announced today that it will work with Thistledown Wines, the current owners, who will retain a portion of the fruit for their own releases.

The Trott name has long been synonymous with Wirra Wirra. The former owners, Sue and the late Roger Trott, rebuilt Wirra Wirra with Roger’s cousin Greg back in 1969.

Planted in 1952 on deep Maslin sands, Trott Vineyard is "known for grenache of exceptional perfume, purity and structure".

Wirra Wirra will assume ownership and management of the vineyard, while Thistledown will continue to purchase half of the fruit under a long-term agreement.

“Trott Vineyard is a rare asset in Australian wine,” said Matthew Deller MW, CEO of Wirra Wirra. “Its fruit produces a style of grenache that stands comfortably alongside the great sites of the world.

"We are committed to protecting its identity and working with Thistledown, whose achievements with the vineyard have played a vital role in elevating McLaren Vale grenache internationally.

“Given the exceptional quality of the fruit, the growing global reputation of McLaren Vale grenache and the Trott, Wirra Wirra connection, it was an opportunity our family ownership could not let slip by.”

Vineyard management will be led by Wirra Wirra viticulturist Anton Groffen, with a focus on preserving original vine material and maintaining the site’s structural and soil integrity.

Family-owned and established in 1894, Wirra Wirra is one of McLaren Vale’s most respected wineries. Its certified organic estate vineyards and biodynamic practices underpin flagship wines including Church Block, RSW Shiraz and The Absconder Grenache. 

The group also includes Ashton Hills and Hahndorf Hill in the Adelaide Hills.

Thistledown was founded in 2010 by Giles Cooke MW and Paddy Gilhooly. It specialises in small-batch grenache, shiraz and chardonnay.