It was back in 1867 when Henry Winter Miles planted his first Shiraz vines in Angaston, beginning a family grape-growing story that would become intertwined with one of Australia’s most recognised Merlot producers, Irvine Wines.
Those first vines were planted on what is now known as Brian’s Block, marking the beginning of generations of the Miles family growing grapes across the Barossa and Eden Valley.
More than a century on, Irvine Wines was founded by Jim Irvine in 1983 with an ambitious goal: to produce world-class Merlot from the Eden Valley.
That ambition paid off. Irvine’s Grand Merlot went on to be named the World’s Best Merlot three times, helping establish the winery as one of Australia’s leading Merlot producers.
In 2014, the Wade family bought Irvine Wines in partnership with the Miles family and have been business partners for three generations now.
As the two families look to the future, they hope to honour Irvine’s history without letting it hold them back.
That means continuing to produce the wines Irvine is known for, including its celebrated Merlot, while also introducing the brand to a new generation of wine drinkers through experiences and releases that feel relevant to the way people enjoy wine today.
It’s why the family has placed its focus on a new kind of offering, one that pairs just as easily with a picnic date as it does a garden party with the girls.
Angie’s, a canned sparkling rosé, is Irvine Wines newest release, and you don’t have to be a wine drinker to love it.
“Spring is one of the most beautiful times to visit the Barossa, and we wanted to create a wine that reflects the season,” said Irvine Wines brand manager Casey Miles.
“Angie is bright, refreshing and made for sharing, whether you’re enjoying a picnic, celebrating with friends or simply relaxing at our cellar door.”
Available to taste and purchase exclusively at the cellar door, Angie is also a pretty good excuse to make the trip to Angaston this month.
It’s fresh, approachable and easy drinking, with vibrant fruits of the forest and a light, bubbly finish.
“We’re still very proud of our premium wines and our reputation for Merlot, but we’re also exploring new varieties, styles, formats and ways for people to experience the brand,” Casey said.
It’s a direction that draws on more than 40 years of Irvine winemaking and generations of grape-growing, while finding new ways to make that story relevant today.
“Rather than simply following what the Barossa is traditionally known for, we want to keep experimenting.
“That actually reflects Irvine’s history quite well, Jim Irvine took a risk on Merlot when very few Australian producers were doing so, and we want to continue that willingness to do things differently.”
Whether you’ve been before, or are interested in experimenting for yourself, Irvine Wines is a spot to add to your must-visit list, if not for the history, then certainly for the wine.
Irvine Wines
Where: 63 Valley Road, Angaston
When: open monday, tuesday, wednesday, friday & saturday 11am – 3pm
For more info, click here.
To try Angie’s for yourself, click here.
