There’s a fresh reason to visit the Barossa, and it comes with a glass of Merlot in hand. Irvine Wines has officially opened a new cellar door in Angaston, offering a modern space to experience one of South Australia’s most storied wine labels.
The Angaston tasting room marks a new era for the family-owned winery, bringing their award-winning Eden Valley wines into a more accessible location while continuing to honour their deep Barossa roots.
“It’s the perfect spot to drop in for a relaxed tasting,” says Irvine Wines’ Brand and Strategic Development Ambassador, Casey Miles.
“We’re still hosting private experiences out at our Eden Valley property, but this gives people another way to connect with who we are.”
Behind the new cellar door lies a story of Merlot. Once dubbed the “King of Merlot,” original founder Jim Irvine set out in 1983 to craft a Barossa Merlot that could rival the greats of Bordeaux.
“People thought he was mad to even try. But in 1997, he did exactly that — beating the French at their own game not once, but three times,” says Casey.
Decades later, that legacy still runs through the vines. When the Miles and Wade families took over the label in 2014, they didn’t just inherit old barrels and dusty awards.
They inherited a dream, to prove that Merlot belongs on the world stage, and that it can still make wine lovers fall in love again.
“People come to us because they’ve heard about the Merlot,” says Casey.
“They’ll have a bottle tucked away from 2000, then come back every year for more. It’s that kind of loyalty that reminds us of what this variety means to people.”
At Irvine, Merlot isn’t blended away or hidden behind flashier names. It’s front and centre, produced in three tiers — a $20 entry-level for everyday drinking, a mid-range around $35, and the flagship Grand Merlot at $150, drawn from the vineyard’s premium single block.
“It’s still the benchmark for us, smooth, elegant and layered with those beautiful plum and cocoa notes that define great Merlot,” Casey says.
While Barossa Shiraz will always dominate the headlines, Irvine’s team is more interested in turning Merlot into a modern rediscovery.
Over the years, the brand has also expanded its range beyond Merlot to include a diverse collection of varietals, from crisp whites to bold reds, creating something for every palate and occasion.
“Younger drinkers are often surprised,” Casey says.
“They expect something heavy, but ours is fresh and fruit-forward. I always describe it as Black Forest cake in a glass. Cherries, plums, dark cocoa. It’s indulgent but not over the top.”
That easy-drinking charm makes it an ideal match for tomato-based pasta, wood-fired pizza or even a good steak.
“And yes,” she laughs, “I cook with it too. One for the pasta, one for me.”
Sitting among the vines that started it all, the family’s new tiny house Arby now offers guests the chance to sip Merlot where it was born.
From the rustic shearing shed overlooking the Grand Merlot block to the newly opened Angaston tasting room, Irvine has found a way to keep history relevant, one glass at a time.
“We’re proud to do something different,” Casey says.
“It’s what makes Irvine special and we can’t wait to share what’s next.”
Irvine Wines
Where: 63 Valley Road, Angaston
When: Mondays, Tuesdays & Fridays 10am-2pm
For more information, click here.
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