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The Chalk Hill legacy unfolds in 1839 when John Harvey first set foot in Adelaide, a fledgling colony of 6,000 inhabitants. Venturing north of Adelaide, he established the town of Salisbury and became the second person to plant grapes in the region. Salisbury, named after his wife's English birthplace, became the cradle of a grape-growing and wine-making tradition that has spanned six generations and endured for over 180 years.

Transitioning from Salisbury to McLaren Vale, John Harvey and his father, Walter Harvey, identified the unparalleled grape-growing conditions that would shape the future of Chalk Hill. The Willunga vineyard, acquired in 1897 and initially planted with Grenache, still yields exceptional grapes from century-old vines. This historic site not only became the cornerstone of Chalk Hill but also served as the cherished home where John and Diana Harvey raised their three children – Kate, Jock, and Tom.

Today, Chalk Hill proudly encompasses five vineyards scattered across McLaren Vale, with the iconic Chalk Hill vineyard, planted in 1969, now housing the newly unveiled Chalk Hill Tasting Room.

The evolution of the Chalk Hill brand reflects a serendipitous journey. According to John Harvey, the current patriarch, "Our focus was on cultivating grapes for some of Australia's premier wineries. While reserving a few grape parcels each year for personal winemaking, the demand for our wines grew organically. What began as a modest endeavor, making wines for family and friends, burgeoned into a thriving business – a testament to our commitment to crafting exceptional wines meant for sharing."

John Harvey philosophizes on the essence of wine: "Wine narrates the story of our surroundings, capturing the nuances of the climate, the character of the soil, and the meticulous care given to the grapes from vineyard to bottle. There's no more enchanting, gratifying, and delightful experience than embarking on this journey of discovery with friends and loved ones."