Stonewall Ridge sits on the high side of Sundown Road, on decomposed granite that drains fast and holds almost nothing. It is difficult country for most crops and very good country for wine.
The vineyard
Eleven hectares, planted in stages since 1998. Shiraz and cabernet on the warmer northern slope, verdelho and a small block of fiano up on the ridge where the nights are coldest. Everything is hand picked. At this altitude the harvest runs three to four weeks later than the Barossa, which is the whole point - the fruit holds its acid while the flavour catches up.
How we make it
Small batches, open fermenters, basket press. We use oak where it helps and leave it out where it does not. Nothing is released until it is ready, which occasionally means a vintage is skipped altogether.
The cellar door
Open Thursday to Monday, ten until four. Tastings are free and unhurried, and there is no need to book unless you are bringing more than six people. There is a long verandah, a wood fire in winter, and a view down the valley that is worth the drive on its own.
Getting your wine home
We ship Australia wide. Freight is free on any six bottles, and orders placed before midday go out the same afternoon. If you are local to the Granite Belt, choose pickup at checkout and collect from the cellar door.