Yalumba – The Tri-Centenary Vineyard, Barossa Valley

The hero of the ‘The Tri-Centenary Vineyard’ is 1.12 hectares of 820 gnarly bush vines of grenache. Planted in 1889, the oldest vines are 135 years of age, and with further plantings in 2003 and 2016 across the 18-hectares, the average vine age is over 50 years, with around 15-hectares comprising of grenache, and a further speckling of shiraz and grenache blanc vines. Cuttings from these vines support Yalumba Nursery’s propagation of select vine material. The vineyard features deep, sandy loam layers underlain with red-brown clay. With careful management, dry grown vines on these soils can consistently produce outstanding quality fruit. A handful of wines are made from this vineyard, the most esteemed of which is the ‘Yalumba Tri-Centenary Grenache’.

The Tri-Centenary Grenache, crafted from the vineyard’s oldest block, exemplifies the profound connection between the vine and its terroir. The extended maceration technique, evolving from 36 days in 2011 to 372 days for the 2022 release, showcases a commitment to capturing the essence of the Grenache variety and its expression of place. This meticulous winemaking process, relying on indigenous yeasts and minimal intervention, ensures that each bottle is a pure reflection of the vineyard’s storied history and the nuanced characteristics of its ancient vines.

Yalumba purchased the vineyard site in 1999. For many years prior to their ownership the old grenache blocks were being utilised for fortified wine and rosé production. It was not really considered a premium vineyard site. With Yalumba’s ownership, the viticultural team have worked slowly to redirect the old blocks back towards premium wine growing.

Under Shepherd’s guidance, they have greatly reduced irrigation and fertilizer inputs and adopted Simonit & Sirch pruning techniques in keeping with maintaining the old vines’ shape and long-term viability. What Yalumba’s viticultural team have done since 1999 has been to ensure that this heritage site continues to produce old vine grenache for long into the future.

Shephard points to some of the firm results in their environmental goals: “Our greenhouse gas emissions have reduced by 22% since our baseline year of 2011. We have our first draft of the transition roadmap and are on the path towards 50% reduction by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.”

Yalumba Winery and vineyards are proudly 100% accredited by Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, and are a Silver Member of International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA).

“Having old vines with so much of their biomass under the ground is a great start to adapting against climate change. Grenache is also a heat loving variety – one we probably would be looking at if we didn’t have it already!”

Robert Hill-Smith, fifth generation & chairman describes how sustainability is at the heart of everything they do through the Hill-Smith Family Estates business, “As winemakers, wine merchants, as members of our community, as innovators, visionaries, and as a family, we act with a responsibility to our future generations. We are, at our core, a wine family; fundamentally we must improve the land and our communities, and make viable business decisions that allow our future generations to prosper.”

The enduring legacy of the Tri-Centenary Grenache Vineyard is encapsulated not just in its vines but in the profound connection and sense of stewardship felt by those who tend to its grounds. Jana Shepherd articulates this sentiment beautifully, emphasizing the deep honor and responsibility that comes with caring for such historical and significant vines. “For me, it is such a privilege to be working with old vines. I feel my responsibility as a caretaker is to make sure the vines remain strong and healthy for future generations. Old bush vines are so gnarly and unique and not everyone has an opportunity to work with vines of such significance, particularly when you think about what has happened in the world since 1889 while these vines have been growing.”