Leasingham Winery: At Clare, in the Mid North region of South Australia

(Photos & Text supplied by Leasingham Winery)

The Clare Valley is 90 minutes drive north of Adelaide, about 300-400 metres above sea level making it South Australia's most northerly premium viticultural district.

This altitude ensures that cool moist conditions prevail and, combined with rich alluvial soils of the Valley, the region is arguably one of the best districts for the production of full flavoured rich concentrated wine styles.

In 1893 the pioneering spirit of the young South Australian colony, helped four enterprising men establish the now famous Leasingham Wines in the heart of the Clare Valley.

Clare's early reputation was gained producing exceptional Riesling wines but in more recent times the red wines from the region have excelled. The modern Australian red style is perfectly suited to the region's climate which has the ability to generate those big rich generous styles that makes Australian red wines so much in demand.

Leasingham's wines have enjoyed considerable success in recent times winning many accolades at national and international wine shows. The most notable being the 1995 Jimmy Watson Trophy won by the 1994 Leasingham Classic Clare Shiraz at the 1995 Royal Melbourne Wine Show. This was the first Jimmy Watson Trophy won by a Clare Valley wine.

The Hardy Wine Company acquired the Leasingham winery in January 1988, when a major upgrade of vineyards, winery, tourism and promotional facilities was begun.

Each vintage some 5,000 tonnes of grapes are crushed at the winery including fruit from local growers as well as the Leasingham vineyards. Today Leasingham operates four vineyards.

Rogers Vineyard:
The Rogers vineyard is situated seven kilometres north east of Clare. The 134 hectare property has 96 hectares planted predominantly with Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec.

Provis Vineyard:
The Provis vineyard, just four kilometres east of Clare, covers 66 hectares planted to Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling and Semillon.

Schobers Vineyard:
The Schobers vineyard lies 30 kilometres south of Clare. It has 100 hectares, 51 hectares planted with Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling. This vineyard is dryland managed and produces the rich concentrated Classic Clare red wines that Leasingham is renowned for.

Dunn's Vineyard:
In 1994 Leasingham purchased a half share in the historic 174-hectare Yertabulti property, 5 kilometres south-east of Clare. During the winter of 1994 Leasingham commenced planting. The plantings are predominantly Shiraz to meet the escalating demand for premium Clare Valley Shiraz. The vineyard will be about 50 hectares

These vineyards provide a substantial part of the Leasingham vintage which is supplemented by fruit from seventy contract growers spread throughout the valley.

Leasingham Cellar Door is located in the properties historic “Still House” which still houses the imposing copper still used to distill brandy in days gone by.

The Cellar Door offers a selection of premium wines for tasting as well as showcasing a range of local produce.

The Leasingham Room is available for small conference groups, meetings, dinners and private tastings. Tastefully restored and decorated, it can accommodate up to 24 people in a formal setting.

Leasingham Winery is open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm. On Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays it is open 10am to 4pm. The winery is closed Christmas Day and Good Friday.

Leasingham Winery
Address: 7 Dominic Street, Clare, 5453.
Phone: 61 (0)8 8842 2785
Fax: 61 (0)8 8842 3293
Email: clare_cellardoor@brlhardy.com.au
Web: www.leasingham-wines.com.au