Every day, as the sun bathes the vineyards of McLaren Vale in a warm embrace, the Wirra Wirra tribe begins its journey towards the heart of the winery. Their path takes them past a magnificent slate installation that bears the inscribed philosophy of Greg Trott, the founder of Wirra Wirra. It's a mantra that guides them through their daily tasks: "Never give misery an even break, nor bad wine a second sip. You must be serious about quality, dedicated to your task in life, especially winemaking, but this should all be fun."

Perched high above the winery, in a modest belltower, a 3/4 tonne bell waits patiently. It's a bell that may ring on special occasions or just when the Wirra Wirra tribe feels like it. And speaking of unique traditions, they've been known to launch watermelons from a giant medieval siege machine that stands proudly on their lawns. Securing their grounds is no ordinary fence; it's 'Woodhenge,' crafted from massive threaded redgum trunks.

Celebrating their successes is a ritual filled with gusto, often accompanied by a glass of their finest wine. And when success seems elusive, they have an uncanny knack for finding another reason to celebrate.

At the core of their values lies a single word: PLAY. They believe that businesses can get caught up in lengthy, uninspiring value statements, but for the Wirra Wirra tribe, playfulness is key. It's an ethos that infuses every aspect of their winemaking journey.

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In the world of winemaking, they know that the fruit source is paramount. Whether it's the grapes from their old vines on the estate or those from their loyal network of growers across McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills, they take no chances. Emma, their senior winemaker, spends countless hours in the vineyards, tasting the fruit and collaborating with growers to time the harvest to perfection.

When the harvest is in, it's time for the team to showcase their winemaking prowess. Wines like 'The 12th Man Chardonnay' provide an opportunity to flex their creative muscles, while others, like 'The Lost Watch Riesling,' are best left to their own devices. But one wine carries the weight of immense expectation: 'Church Block.' For this, everyone knows they must "get it right."

Stepping into the Wirra Wirra cellars feels like a journey back in time. With massive arched doors, oversized fireplaces, a minstrel gallery, and wine-stained red brick floors, it exudes an almost medieval charm. Yet, the winemaking here is far from ancient. They are obsessed with preserving the purity of fruit and the expression of the vineyard. Each parcel is kept separate until the final blending, allowing Emma and her team to craft wines with precision.

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For Emma and viticulturist Anton Groffen, it's a chance to intimately understand how each vineyard performs from vintage to vintage. This dedication to detail sets Wirra Wirra apart.

Among Wirra Wirra's owned vineyards are Scrubby Rise, Nocowie, Chook Block, '73 Block, Woodhenge, and House Block. These blocks are managed biodynamically, a sustainable practice they've followed for nearly a decade. Their commitment was recognized in 2013 when they received biodynamic certification from the NASAA group, the Australian and International Organic Certifier.

Around the winery, their certified organic and biodynamic vineyards thrive without the use of systemic chemicals or pesticides. Only permitted organic and biodynamic inputs and preparations are used, ensuring the health of the land and the purity of their grapes.

McLaren Vale, with its Mediterranean climate and diverse microclimates, provides an ideal canvas for winemaking. The region benefits from the moderating influence of the sea, tempering the summer heat and winter cold. It boasts a winter-dominant rainfall pattern, low humidity, and high evaporation rates. Rain during harvest is rare, reducing the risk of crop damage and disease pressure.

 

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Within McLaren Vale, the Wirra Wirra tribe has access to a range of microclimates shaped by altitude and soil type variations. This diversity allows them to craft wines with distinct character and flavor profiles.

Some areas receive sufficient rainfall to support dry farming, adding further layers of character to their wines. Where irrigation is necessary, they prefer drip irrigation, making efficient use of the region's underground water sources and irrigation dams.

In the world of water-conscious winemaking, McLaren Vale stands as a shining example, with Wirra Wirra leading the way. It's a place where the serious pursuit of quality meets the joy of play, creating wines that are as delightful as the tribe that makes them.

Wirra Wirra's  Woodhenge acquired the best score at the 2023 USA Wine Ratings making it Best in Show by Varietal category & Gold with a score of 92 points.

Deep ruby appearance. Black fruit notes with hints of smoke and vanilla. Ripe and expressive, the full body is balanced by chalky tannins and medium acidity. Bright and defined fruit with round & crisp texture.