Pikes Wines at Polish Hill River Estate: In the Clare Valley region of South Australia

Englishman Henry Pike emigrated to South Australia in 1878 aboard the HMS Oakland. He settled in the small town of Oakbank in the Adelaide Hills and in 1886 established the family brewing business called H. Pike & Co. This name became well known throughout South Australia for its quality beer, soft drink and tonic ale, and the company used the English Pike fish on the label, which remains to this day - a symbol of Pikes’ long heritage.

The sale of H. Pike & Co. in 1972 did not end the family tradition. Henry Pike’s great grandson Edgar was well established in the wine industry as a private vigneron and as a vineyard manager for a large proprietary wine company. His sons, Andrew and Neil, have both followed in their father’s footsteps. Since graduating from Roseworthy Agricultural College both have become proficient in their separate fields within the wine industry Andrew in viticulture and management, and Neil in winemaking and marketing.

Pikes Wines was established in 1984 with the purchase of 38 ha of prime land in the Polish Hill River sub region on the eastern side of the Clare Valley. The first section of vineyard was planted in the same year.

The climate in this area is considerably cooler and the soils are also quite unique to the rest of the region. These attributes impart distinctive flavours and aromas to the wines from the Polish Hill River area.

The vineyard is planted on red/brown earth over red clay subsoil and slate. Varieties grown are Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Viognier, Chardonnay, Cabernet, Shiraz, Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Mourvedre and others.

The Winery and Cellar Door is situated amongst the vines on the property at Polish Hill River are a renovated 1860’s stone shearing shed and our new administration and function area is constructed out of local stone and has a similar feel to it as the other buildings on the property. Open 10am – 4pm daily visitors a encouraged to sample our current vintages and relax enjoy the ambience and friendly conversation.

Pikes produces 10 wines from 95 acres of vines. All the wines are individually crafted showing classic style and varietal characteristics. Pikes are best known for their Riesling, a dry, fruit driven style, which has crisp lemon/lime acidity, typical of the classic Clare Valley Riesling style. However their reds certainly deserve equal recognition, full-bodied styles, which with subtle oak treatment which allow the varietal characteristics to show through. We also draw fruit from a group of committed growers who have supplied us top quality grapes over the years.

The distinctive Pike Fish logo can be found on all Pikes Products.

The "The Gallery" Function room is situated upstairs in the new admin building and boast a good selection of Local Artists works. Since it opened in April 2001 it has been visited by a large number of people, some even making a purchase or two! The room has been used for various functions, including conferences, board meetings, seminars, wine tour lunches and Pikes hosted guest chef lunches.

Pikes pride themselves on making premium table wines that reflect variety, vintage and regional characteristics. Throughout their 20 years of winemaking the Pikes have strived to maintain this philosophy.

Pikes Cellar Door is open daily 10am – 4pm

Pikes Wines
Polish Hill River Road
Sevenhill, South Australia
Phone: +61 (0)8 8843 4370
Email: info@pikeswines.com.au
Web: www.pikeswines.com.au