About This Vineyard
Southpaw organic vineyard is near Sellicks Hill, nestled in the foothills of the Willunga Escarpment at the Southern end of the McLaren Vale wine region. Originally an almond orchard, the first six acres (2.5ha) of Shiraz were planted in 1995 followed by a further 10 acres (4ha) in 2001, all planted with an East-West orientation. The deep soils drain well and are stony, silty loams over red clay that have been washed off the Willunga Escarpment.
The vineyards on the side of Sellicks Hill are some of the earlier ripening vineyards in the McLaren Vale region and benefit from the moderating effect of the nearby Gulf St Vincent and gully breezes. The prevailing winds and gully breezes also act as a natural impediment to moulds and mildews as well as restraining crop levels.
We have decided to follow biodynamic practises on the Southpaw Vineyard which means no weedicides or fungicides are used and natural biodynamic applications are made to the soils and vines to improve quality and sustainability. The site is on a North facing slope which maximises interception of sunlight and enjoys wet cool winters followed by warm to hot summers.