Jim Barry Wines is an inaugural member of Australia's First Families of Wine. Founded back in 1959 by Jim and his wife Nancy, the winery has a great track record for producing high-quality wines particular in the realm of Riesling where the two helped establish the Clare Valley as a benchmark for the variety.
Jim Barry was the first qualified winemaker in the region having graduated as only the 17th student to gain a Degree in Oenology at the prestigious Roseworthy Agricultural College back in 1947. Having worked for 2 decades at the Clarevale Co-operative, he then went on to establish Taylors Wines in 1969.
10ha of vineyards throughout the subregion of Armagh and the greater Clare Valley are key to the longevity of Jim Barry wines. The terroir of Clare Valley with its night-time temperature-drops & limestone soils makes for great Riesling and provides the necessary acid and structure to assist long-term cellaring of the reds.
Although Jim Barry passed away in 2004, the winery is in good hands with the family still very much a part of the operation. His philosophy was to make wines that are both enjoyable on release and reward long term cellaring and he was posthumously given the 'Legends Hall of Fame' award in 2014. Jim's sons Peter, Mark & John all play a part and now 3rd generation Tom (Gourmet Traveller's 'Young Winemaker of the Year 2014) and Sam work as winemaker and commercial manager for Jim Barry Wines.
Their most popular wines include the highly collectible Armagh, Benbournie, First Eleven, The Lodge Hill Shiraz, The Barry Brothers, The Florita, The Lodge Hill Riesling, Watervale Riesling and more.
