Jim Barry
Summary
Jim Barry Wines is a third-generation family-owned producer operating 320 hectares across Clare Valley's slate-rich soils and 35 hectares in Coonawarra, specializing in Shiraz, Riesling, and Cabernet Sauvignon from distinguished sites including the high-elevation Armagh and historic Florita vineyards. Their traditional approach combines open-vessel fermentation for reds and temperature-controlled stainless steel for Rieslings, while maintaining a sixty-year commitment to minimal intervention winemaking that expresses Clare Valley's distinctive terroir.
Heritage & Leadership
Jim Barry Wines was established in 1959 by Jim Barry, a pioneer of the Clare Valley wine region in South Australia. After completing his studies as the first qualified winemaker to graduate from the prestigious Roseworthy Agricultural College in 1949, Jim worked as winemaker at the Clarevale Co-operative for 22 years before founding his own winery. The Barry family's winemaking legacy has continued through subsequent generations, with Jim's son Peter Barry taking the helm as Managing Director in 1985. Today, the third generation is actively involved, with Tom Barry serving as winemaker since 2011. The company remains 100% family-owned and operated, maintaining its independence throughout its six-decade history. A significant milestone in the winery's development came in 1964 when Jim purchased the 70-acre Armagh vineyard, which was planted in 1968 and would later produce their flagship Shiraz. The company expanded its vineyard holdings in 1977 with the acquisition of the Lodge Hill property, further cementing their commitment to the Clare Valley region.
Vineyards & Wines
Jim Barry Wines owns and operates vineyards across 320 hectares in South Australia's Clare Valley and 35 hectares in the Coonawarra region. Their Clare Valley holdings span multiple sites including The Armagh (planted 1968), Lodge Hill (established 1977), Florita (acquired 1986), and McRae Wood vineyards. The Armagh vineyard sits at an elevation of 400 meters above sea level on north-eastern facing slopes with distinctive red-brown earth over slate and shale. Lodge Hill, positioned at 480 meters, represents one of the highest vineyard sites in the Clare Valley. The company cultivates primarily Shiraz, Riesling, and Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller plantings of Malbec, Tempranillo, and Assyrtiko. Their Coonawarra vineyards, established in 1996, focus on Cabernet Sauvignon planted on the region's characteristic terra rossa soil over limestone. The flagship wine, The Armagh Shiraz, first produced in 1985, comes from vines now over 50 years old. The portfolio also includes the single-vineyard Florita Riesling, sourced from a historic vineyard originally planted in 1946.
Philosophy & Practice
Jim Barry Wines employs a combination of traditional and modern winemaking techniques, with a focus on expressing the distinct terroir of their vineyard sites. For red wines, fermentation occurs in open fermenters with regular pump-overs and plunging, followed by aging in a combination of French and American oak barrels. The Armagh Shiraz typically matures for 16-18 months in new and one-year-old French and American oak hogsheads. For white wines, particularly their Rieslings, the winery utilizes temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and varietal character. The company implements sustainable farming practices across their vineyards, including water conservation through drip irrigation systems and comprehensive soil management programs. In 2016, Jim Barry Wines became the first Australian winery to plant the Greek variety Assyrtiko in the Clare Valley, demonstrating their commitment to innovation and adaptation to changing climate conditions. Their winemaking philosophy centers on minimal intervention, allowing the fruit to express its vineyard origin while maintaining consistent quality across vintages.