ABOUT
McLaren Vines
McLaren Vines is an online store that offers the best selection of red wines in Australia. Our vineyard is located in McLaren Vale, at the heart of one of the country's oldest and most acclaimed wine regions. Established in 1996, our vineyard has been dedicated to growing and grafting only the finest red grape varieties. Browse our website to discover our unique and exclusive wine collection.
Established in June 1996 by Giovanni Nati and 4 of his mates purely as growers, with very little knowledge about growing grapes, but plenty of experience in consuming wine!
There was excitement every time the group travelled to McLaren Vale to review the operations stories would evolve and I am sure embellish however the passion always exuded around the wines produced in this stunning wine region, Giovanni would always refer to these wines as “mothers’ milk”.
The Vineyard is nestled in the famous McLaren Vale – located on the Corners of Main Rd & Johnston Street and into Aldersey Street with 50 pristine acres in this block and another 15 acres opposite this also in Aldersey Street.
In 1996 the varieties and area planted were; Cabernet Sauvignon (7 acres), Chardonnay (8 acres), Chenin Blanc (3 acres), Riesling (3 acres), Shiraz (7 acres), Grenache (12 acres), Sauvignon Blanc (2 acres) and Frontignan (5 acres)
In December 1996 an agreement was reached where McLaren Vines (the company) would supply Tatachilla Winery Pty Ltd of all its grapes produced on their vineyards for the next 7 years, the company would receive the regional district average price of Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Frontignan and Grenache and regional district average price + $200 per tonne for Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.
Following the 1997 harvest the Frontignan vines were replaced with Shiraz using root stock rather than cuttings (Grafted).
From the record books: In 1994 there was a total of 339 tonnes produced from the vineyard where there were good rains all winter, however 1995 was one of the driest winters in 87 years and the result was only 190 tonnes produced and the first year of production where the company took over with heavy rains in July saw estimated tonnage at 322 tonnes. Cropping was averaging 6.8 tonnes to the acre, a very healthy crop!
Today the vineyard is only planted to red varieties, including; Cabernet Sauvignon (7 acres), Shiraz (33 acres), Grenache (16 acres), Graciano (2.5 acres) and Nero d’Avola (2.5 acres).
Some of the root stock dates back to 1972 up to current plantings in 2017. We take meticulous care in managing this vineyard, today’s cropping levels are around 2 tonnes to the acre, our fruit is some of the best in McLaren Vale and we are proud of the contracts we have established, selling our grapes to some of the best wineries around.
Today the vineyard is managed by John’s wife Rosina & their two daughters Antoinette & Dianna along with their families. A family estate and the reason why the Grocer’s Wife Shiraz was conceived. It was always Giovanni’s desire to make a wine from the Estate, so it was to be from the 2022 vintage where we embarked on this journey. Unfortunately Giovanni passed in October 2022 and never got to drink this “mothers’ milk” of McLaren Vale however we toast all of you who drink it, and we will continue this journey of growers and winemakers!
Following the 2022 vintage we grafted 5 acres of Shiraz to Grenache & Nero d'Avola. Stay tuned, we are looking to make new wines from these varieties. From the 2024 Vintage we did make a Grenache and this will be available late 2024 or early 2025, it's delicious!