Ulithorne Wines, McLaren Vale

ULITHORNE

Ulithorne of McLaren Vale has been one of out favourite little wineries for some time. Over the past five years we have observed its rise from obscurity to its position today as one of Australia’s leading small quantity producers.

In the late 1830's, the land was granted by the South Australian Government to the Fox family and had been in the Fox family until Frank and Judy Harrison purchased it in 1969. In 1971, they planted 30 acres of their 100 acre farm to Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon to convince the local council that they would responsibly dispose of the effluent from their proposed piggery. To their disappointment, the authorities did not approve the piggery and they were left with a 30 acre vineyard!
 
Frank and Judy moved to the city in 1979, selling their home and some of the land but leaving the vineyard, stone cottage and sheds intact on some 60 acres. For the next 18 years, the under managed and neglected vineyard produced minimum tonnage still delivering some of the best grapes in the region to wineries Wirra Wirra and later to Rosemount.

In 1997, Sam Harrison and Rose Kentish leased and subsequently purchased the vineyard. Since then, Sam and Rose have improved the infrastructure to support their aim of producing exceptional quality wine. In 1998, they planted a further 14 acres of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon on the north facing hills. In 2002, they purchased 25 acres from their neighbour and have planted it to 1/3 Merlot and 2/3 Shiraz.

Today Ulithorne is regarded as one of the finest producers of McLaren Vale Shiraz, with their 'Frux Frugis' Shiraz regularly receiving high acclaim. Ulithorne also produce small quantities of the 'Paternus' Shiraz Cabernet, 'Flamma' Sparkling Shiraz, and 'Chi' Shiraz Grenache from their McLaren Vale vineyard.