ArtWine

About this Cellar

ArtWine has two significant vineyards in the Clare Valley, one on either side of the Main North Road, and each with its own microclimate and terrior.

The larger property, in Spring Farm Road, was known as Cowieorlunga and for many years was run as a dairy.  The original homestead on the property was constructed in the 1850s, and a major extension was added in 1906.  Outbuildings on the property include a Blacksmith Shop which is still operational and a Tuscan-style Bed and Breakfast unit.  The property is currently undergoing loving and painstaking restoration to bring back its grandeur of yesteryear and yet reflect the standards and styles we have come to expect in the 21^st Century.

Vineyards were first planted on the property in the early 1900s but unfortunately many of the original vines were deemed uneconomic and were victims of the ‘vine pull’ scheme of the 1980s.  Fortunately about a hectare of the original, gnarled bush vines (Grenache) survived.  Several years after the ’vine pull’ varieties which have helped entrench the Clare Valley as one of the world’s significant wine producing regions – namely Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc - were planted.

Since the property was purchased by ArtWine in 2002, new vines reflecting contemporary wine styles have been planted.  We now produce Pinot Gris, Viognier, Tempranillo and Graciano, with Albarino being planted in 2009.

A second vineyard was acquired in 2007 and provides an additional 20 acres of quality fruit – Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling.  This property also houses 2 refurbished bed & breakfast cottages with spectacular uninterrupted views on a secluded hilltop location.

Over the years, the fruit from ArtWine’s vineyards has been sold to prominent wineries and has been included in many of the award/trophy winning wines both nationally and internationally.  While we continue to sell the majority of our fruit, we are now retaining selected parcels for our own use.  We plan to take something of an ‘artistic’ approach to wines produced under our label, with emphasis on the newer varieties as they develop, but where possible also incorporating the coloursand flavoursof the more traditional and older vines.