Jim Barry

Jim Barry was the first to get serious about making wine in Clare Valley. In 1947 Jim graduated as an oenologist from Roseworthy Agricultural College, becoming the first qualified winemaker in the Clare Valley. Jim Barry has an impressive resume at that time, which includes 22 years of work experience at the Clarevale co-op and founding Taylor Wines for the Taylor family. Eventually, he decides to start his own winery, which has since grown into a real family business.

The third generation is currently running the company. The winery Jim Barry Wines has 17 different vineyards in the Clare Valley and two vineyards in Coonawarra. The total area of the vineyards in Clare Valley is 320 hectares! Each vineyard has its own soil profile and microclimate. The main vineyards are, The Armagh, The Florita, The Lodge Hill, and The Old Penola Cricket Ground. So-called single vineyard wines are made from these plots. The main grape varieties are Shiraz, Riesling, and Cabernet Sauvignon. In addition, Jim also experiments with the Greek variety assyrtiko. The Armagh Shiraz is the flagship of the winery.