Shop Clarendon Hills

Clarendon Hills: A Pioneer in Australian Wine

Roman Bratasiuk, the visionary founder of Clarendon Hills, set forth on a transformative journey in 1990, leaving an indelible mark on the Australian wine industry. Armed with a background in Biochemistry, Roman embarked on a self-taught winemaking odyssey that would revolutionize the industry. His profound foresight led him to introduce the concept of single vineyard wines to Australia, forever altering the landscape of winemaking.

A true trailblazer, Roman also pioneered the Australian Grenache category by releasing Australia's first 100% Grenache single vineyard wine: the renowned 1991 Clarendon Hills Blewitt Springs Grenache. In addition, his keen eye for exceptional vineyards led him to the discovery of one of Australia's greatest treasures, the Astralis Syrah vineyard in Blewitt Springs, in the same year. With an unwavering dedication to his craft spanning over 34 years, Roman's pragmatic approach and relentless pursuit of excellence have cemented Clarendon Hills' position as a world-class producer.

Clarendon Hills has become synonymous with remarkable old vine Grenache, Syrah, and Cabernet vineyards, carefully nurtured and located throughout the captivating sub-districts of Blewitt Springs and Clarendon. Roman's tireless efforts have brought these vineyards to the forefront, showcasing their extraordinary character and resulting in a well-deserved global reputation.

The Terroir of McLaren Vale: A Timeless Tapestry

The story of McLaren Vale's terroir traces back over 1600 million years, its ancient fragments interwoven across the region like a magnificent patchwork quilt. Situated near the Great Southern Ocean and St Vincent Gulf, this unique location, coupled with the presence of remarkable old vine material, yields wines that exude a distinctive vibrancy, truly encapsulating the regional expression.

The marine climate bestows upon McLaren Vale's wines a refreshing quality and a bright natural acidity. This, combined with the allure of its terroir, imbues the wines with an exotic and kaleidoscopic luminescence. It is within this remarkable setting that Clarendon Hills has dedicated itself to meticulously exploring and showcasing the finest terroirs of the Blewitt Springs and Clarendon sub-districts over the past three decades.

Through their unwavering focus and commitment, Clarendon Hills has unlocked the true potential of these exceptional vineyards, crafting wines that epitomize the essence of the McLaren Vale region.

Discover the Unparalleled Wines of Clarendon Hills

Experience the legacy and passion of Clarendon Hills as you delve into their extraordinary range of wines. From their iconic old vine Grenache and captivating Syrah to the noble Cabernet, each bottle represents a culmination of Roman Bratasiuk's lifelong dedication and pursuit of winemaking perfection.

Visit The Reserve Cellar today to explore Clarendon Hills' portfolio and savour the essence of Australia's rich winemaking heritage.