Pewsey Vale
Summary
Pewsey Vale is a historic Eden Valley estate established in 1847, operating 33 hectares of high-altitude vineyards (485-500m) where sandy loam soils over gravel and bedrock produce exclusively Riesling wines. Their minimal-intervention approach showcases the region's signature lime and floral aromatics through temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel, with their flagship wines including both current-release and extended-aged expressions that have defined the Eden Valley Riesling style for generations.
Heritage & Leadership
Pewsey Vale was established in 1847 when Joseph Gilbert planted the first vines in what would become the Eden Valley wine region of South Australia. Gilbert, an English immigrant who arrived in South Australia in 1839, named the property after the Vale of Pewsey in Wiltshire, England. The vineyard holds the distinction of being the first in the Eden Valley region, pioneering viticulture at higher elevations in South Australia.
After a period of dormancy in the early 20th century, the vineyard was revitalized in 1961 by Wyndham Hill Smith of the Hill Smith family, who recognized the site's potential for producing exceptional Riesling. Today, Pewsey Vale operates as part of the Hill Smith Family Vineyards portfolio, which includes the historic Yalumba winery. The property is currently managed by fifth-generation vigneron Robert Hill Smith, with Louisa Rose serving as the chief winemaker across the Hill Smith Family Vineyards group.
Vineyards & Wines
Pewsey Vale's vineyard sits at an elevation between 485 and 500 meters above sea level in the Eden Valley, a subregion of the Barossa Zone in South Australia. The 33-hectare vineyard is planted exclusively to Riesling, with vines growing in soils composed primarily of sandy loam over gravel and bedrock, with high quartz content that contributes to drainage and minerality.
The vineyard's high altitude location results in cooler temperatures than the neighboring Barossa Valley floor, creating ideal conditions for slow, even ripening of Riesling grapes. The original Pewsey Vale Vineyard contains sections of vines dating back to 1961, with some blocks planted using cuttings propagated from the original 1847 vines.
The winery produces several Riesling expressions, including their flagship Pewsey Vale Vineyard Riesling, The Contours Riesling (from a single block of 1960s plantings, released with five years of bottle age), and Prima, an off-dry style. Each wine reflects the distinctive characteristics of the Eden Valley terroir, known for producing Rieslings with intense lime and floral aromatics, precise acidity, and significant aging potential.
Philosophy & Practice
Pewsey Vale's winemaking philosophy centers on expressing the unique characteristics of their historic Eden Valley site through a focused commitment to Riesling. The winery employs a minimalist approach to winemaking, using temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve the varietal's natural aromatics and flavor profile.
Harvest decisions are based on achieving optimal flavor development while maintaining natural acidity, with fruit typically hand-picked in the cool morning hours. The winemaking team, led by Louisa Rose, employs gentle pressing techniques and careful juice selection before fermentation with selected yeasts at cool temperatures between 12-15°C.
In the vineyard, Pewsey Vale implements sustainable farming practices, including the use of permanent cover crops between rows to improve soil health and reduce erosion on the sloping site. The team maintains detailed records of each vineyard block, allowing for precise management of the site's varying aspects and microclimates. This combination of historical knowledge and modern viticultural techniques enables Pewsey Vale to consistently produce Rieslings that showcase the distinctive character of their Eden Valley terroir.