Our Story

Never in 1959 did James Irvine ever think he would one day own his own property in the ranges above the Eden Valley of South Australia.

At that time he was with Thomas Hardy & Sons and was responsible for the purchase of grapes from the Eden Valley area for the production of the famous "Siegersdorf" Riesling. The area greatly impressed the young Jim Irvine, and he dreamt of some day being able to plant his own vineyard there.

Fifty years later the dream is a reality! Jim and Marjorie own and operate their own vineyard at Springhill in the ranges high above the village of Eden Valley.

Right from the start quality in all aspects of viticulture, winemaking and packaging has been the driving force, and the Irvine Merlots are already recognised the world over as being equal to the finest produced anywhere in Australia. Total dedication to the task and a willingness to fully age wines in Irvines' own maturation system together with a serious and determined approach, has resulted in wines of extraordinary style, depth of flavour, and intensity of varietal character seldom seen in this country.

Irvine may be a new name to you but it is certainly well known in Australian wine history. Hans Irvine (a distant relative) established Great Western, Australia's greatest sparkling wine cellars in 1888. His philosophy to provide sparkling wines and table wines of the highest quality and "prestige" style was certainly proven and now another Irvine carries this philosophy on in a different way.

This Irvine approach has not come overnight. Winemaking experience covers nearly forty years; with Hardy's Siegersdorf, Krondorf, Normans and Lakewood, each having sparkling wine and premium table wine production involved in their overall winemaking.