Jim Barry

Jim Barry's winery can be found in South Australia's beautiful Clare Valley. It was Jim Barry's dream to make world-class Australian Riesling in one of most beautiful wine regions in the country. In 1947, Jim graduated as an oenologist from Roseworthy Agricultural College, becoming the first qualified winemaker in Clare Valley. Jim Barry had an impressive resume at the time, which included 22 years of work experience at the Clarevale cooperative, and the founding of Taylor Wines for the Taylor family. He eventually decided to start his own winery, which has since grown into a real family business. The company is led by the third generation already at this time.

The winehouse Jim Barry Wines has 17 different vineyards in Clare Valley and two vineyards in Coonawarra. The total area of the vineyards in Clare Valley is 320 hectares! Each vineyard has its own soil profile and microclimate. The main vineyards are: The Armagh, The Florita, The Lodge Hill and The Old Penola Cricket Ground. From these plots, single vineyard wines are made. The main grape varieties are Shiraz, Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon. In addition, Jim Barry is also experimenting with the Greek variety Assyrtiko. The Armagh Shiraz is the flagship of the winery. The Armagh matures on average for 14 months in oak barrels of which 70% French oak and 30% American. The 2016 vintage was awarded an impressive 99 points by James Suckling. Jim Barry Wines' Riesling wines are cool-fermented to preserve the primary flavor aromas. The wines are pure, elegant and have refreshing acidity.

Jim Barry was a true wine pioneer in Australia and the winery still manages to produce superb, high quality wines. These are true, premium, New-World wines, with 2016 as an iconic vintage.