Ancient Vines

Torbreck’s dedication to identifying, protecting and vinifying grapes from the oldest, most precious Barossa vineyards is absolute. The valley is extraordinarily fortunate in its small plots of extraordinarily old vines. Sheltered from phylloxera, the Barossa boasts a wealth of ancient vines arguably unparalleled in world viticulture.

Torbreck work with both their own vineyard holdings, and other growers in the valley, to maintain these vines, and transform their grapes into wine of astonishing concentration. Their collection of five vineyard estates forms an enviable portfolio of exceptional vineyard sites, many classified as Old Vines (older than 35 years) and some dating back over 175 years. In some cases, such as for the Hillside Vineyard vines that produce their sensational ‘The Forebear’, which took a decade to restore to former glory, extraordinary work goes into reviving these precious centenarians.

Torbreck also work with multi-generational Barossa growers, gaining special access to further venerable plots. Every year they celebrate these families with their ‘Grower of the Year Award’, celebrated through a special bottling: ‘The Grower’s Cut.’

Torbreck see themselves first and foremost as custodians of these vines. It’s almost unbelievable that they have survived to such an age; no extra year, nor bottle of wine produced from them, can be taken for granted. All of their winemaking is geared towards doing these natural wonders justice.