Wakefield
Summary
Wakefield Wines is a substantial family-owned producer in South Australia's Clare Valley, cultivating 750 hectares of terra rossa soils at 350-450 meters elevation to create structured Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and vibrant Riesling. Their balanced approach combines traditional methods with modern technology while their environmental leadership and consistent quality across price tiers have established them as a defining reference point for Clare Valley's distinctive regional expression.
Heritage & Leadership
Wakefield Wines, known as Taylors Wines within Australia, was established in 1969 when Bill Taylor Sr. and his sons John, Bill, and Mitchell purchased land near the Wakefield River in South Australia's Clare Valley. The 178-hectare property was chosen specifically for its terra rossa soil, ideal for cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon. The Taylor family brought with them a background in wine merchant operations from Sydney, where they had been involved in the wine industry since the 1950s.
Now in its third generation of family ownership, Wakefield is led by Managing Director Mitchell Taylor, who joined the company in 1988. Under his guidance, the winery has expanded its vineyard holdings and international presence while maintaining its family-owned status. The company marked significant milestones with the release of their first vintage in 1973 and the introduction of their premium St. Andrews range in 1999, named after the property's original name and historic homestead.
Vineyards & Wines
Wakefield's vineyard holdings now encompass more than 750 hectares in the Clare Valley, with the original estate situated near Auburn at the valley's southern end. The vineyards benefit from the region's Mediterranean climate, featuring warm days and cool nights that create ideal conditions for slow, even ripening of grapes. The distinctive terra rossa soil—red-brown earth over limestone—provides excellent drainage and mineral content that contributes to the wines' character.
The estate grows multiple varieties, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Riesling forming the backbone of production. Vineyards are planted at elevations ranging from 350 to 450 meters above sea level, with various aspects to optimize sun exposure for different varieties. The company produces wines across several tiers, including the entry-level Estate range, the regionally blended Jaraman series, and the premium St. Andrews collection sourced from specific vineyard blocks. In 2014, Wakefield introduced The Pioneer, an ultra-premium Shiraz representing the pinnacle of their production.
Philosophy & Practice
Wakefield's approach to winemaking balances tradition with technology. The winery employs temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks, with extended maceration for red wines to enhance color and tannin extraction. Their premium wines undergo aging in French and American oak barrels, with duration varying by wine tier—typically 12 months for Estate wines and up to 18 months for St. Andrews selections.
The company has implemented comprehensive sustainability initiatives, becoming the first winery in the world to receive certification from the International Organization for Standardization for both Quality Management and Environmental Management Systems (ISO 9002 and ISO 14001). Their environmental program includes water conservation through drip irrigation, solar power generation, and waste reduction practices. In the vineyard, Wakefield employs minimal intervention viticulture where possible, using cover crops to improve soil health and reduce erosion. These practices reflect the Taylor family's commitment to preserving their land for future generations while producing wines that express Clare Valley's distinctive terroir.