our story
Barwite Vineyards was established in 1998 when a 200 acre site was purchased from the Friday Family in Long Lane, Barwite
The site was surveyed and the layout of the vineyard was established, The vineyard soon developed a reputation for producing quality fruit. Internationally renowned, Australian brands soon realised the high standard of grapes available from the Barwite Vineyards site.
To ensure long term supply of cool climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay an extensive water resource was required and a 120 Megalitre dam was constructed.
Preparation of the former grazing land along with the construction of the dam, installation of irrigation lines, trellis and vines took nearly 18 months with the vineyard growing in the spring of 1999. The first three years were highly labour intensive with the training of the vines onto the trellis. Some one hundred thousand vines were planted and required intense viticultural care to ensure longevity of the vines.
After three years a very small hand picked crop was harvested in 2002. In 2003 the first machine picked crop was supplied to Orlando Wines for crushing. The quality was evident and the future looked extremely encouraging.
After the harvests in 2004, 2005 and 2006, the Global Financial Crisis hit the Wine Industry around the world and grape contracts were terminated and new clients needed to be found. The following four years were extremely difficult in the wine industry.
To survive, a new business plan needed to be established with the development of a Barwite Vineyards wine label. The three grape varieties being grown were Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling.
Over the last 8 years a major redevelopment and vineyard conversion has taken place, ensuring our reputation as both a quality grape supplier for larger brands and raising the bar of our Barwite range.
Lower yields and hand picking our redesigned vineyard has raised the quality of grapes being grown clearly demonstrated by winning awards throughout the Eastern States.
Our portfolio was then expanded to incorporate the stunning Fridays Child brand ~ handcrafted to reflect our history and unique story, successfully awarded for it's boutique design.
Today, the vineyard continues to boast increasing quality and yields ~ a testament to the skill and passion of our dedicated team who remain vigilant in their pursuit of excellence...