Jim Barry

Jim Barry Wines, a renowned family-owned winery located in South Australia’s Clare Valley, has established a legacy of quality, innovation, and regional authenticity. Founded in 1959 by the pioneering winemaker Jim Barry and his wife, Nancy, the winery has flourished across three generations, producing some of Australia’s most esteemed wines, including The Armagh Shiraz and The Florita Riesling.

History of Jim Barry Wines Estate

Jim Barry was the first professionally qualified winemaker in the Clare Valley, graduating in 1947 and dedicating his life to advancing the region’s winemaking. After years with the Clarevale Co-operative, Jim and Nancy acquired their first vineyard, the Burton Cottage Estate, and began planting. In 1968, they established The Armagh vineyard, where Jim planted Shiraz that would later become the source of the winery’s flagship wine. Over the decades, Jim Barry Wines has achieved a series of industry firsts, including becoming the first Australian winery to plant Assyrtiko in 2012, sourcing cuttings from the Greek island of Santorini.

After Jim Barry’s passing, his son Peter Barry took over management, with his children Tom, Sam, and Olivia now holding key roles within the company. This dedication to family legacy has helped Jim Barry Wines earn prestigious accolades, including the 2020 Winery of the Year by Halliday Wine Companion and an Exceptional rating for The Armagh Shiraz in Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine.

Jim Barry & Sons
Jim Barry & Sons

Region and Vineyards

The Clare Valley is a premier winemaking region situated at the northern end of the Mount Lofty Ranges. Known for its rolling hills, Mediterranean climate, and unique soils, the region produces less than 1% of Australia’s total wine output but is celebrated for premium Shiraz and Riesling. Jim Barry Wines manages a mosaic of 17 vineyard sites over 320 hectares, each chosen for its unique soil, elevation, and climate profile.

Among the winery’s notable sites are:

  • The Armagh Vineyard: Known for producing Shiraz of exceptional depth, planted on northwest-facing slopes with sandy clay and mottled clay subsoils.
  • The Florita Vineyard: Located in Watervale, this historic site produces the Florita Riesling and boasts unique loam and calcareous soils ideal for high-acid Riesling.
  • The Lodge Hill Vineyard: Located on the eastern ranges, it grows Riesling on south-facing slopes and Shiraz on north-facing slopes, enhancing both variety and terroir expression.

Wine Range

Jim Barry Wines offers a broad portfolio of varietals and styles, notably Riesling, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon, along with pioneering the Assyrtiko grape in Australia. Their wine range includes:

  • The Armagh Shiraz: A celebrated single-vineyard Shiraz with global acclaim, noted for its depth and aging potential.
  • The Florita Riesling: Crafted from historic vines, this Riesling is a benchmark of Watervale’s bright acidity and minerality.
  • The McRae Wood Shiraz: Known for its intensity and elegance, this Shiraz reflects the terroir of Clare Valley’s prime Shiraz-growing sites.
  • Assyrtiko: Australia’s first commercial release of Assyrtiko, capturing the vibrant acidity and minerality of this Greek variety.

Did you know?

Jim Barry Wines’ The Armagh Shiraz achieved the prestigious Exceptional status in Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine, equivalent to a “Grand Cru” rating. Additionally, Jim Barry Wines pioneered Assyrtiko in Australia, sourcing vines from Santorini, a groundbreaking introduction that reflects the Barry family’s commitment to innovation and diversity in winemaking.

 
Australia
94+ Robert Parker
Jim Barry Watervale Riesling 2022
Jim Barry Watervale Riesling 2022
Jim Barry’s Watervale Riesling captures the quintessential elegance of Clare Valley Riesling, with vibrant citrus and a crisp mineral finish.
Watervale Riesling 2022
20,50 €
Australia
Jim Barry Single Vineyard Shiraz 2017
Jim Barry Single Vineyard Shiraz 2017
The Jim Barry Single Vineyard Shiraz is a refined Shiraz that embodies the elegance and restraint of Clare Valley’s cool-climate sites, offering an alluring expression of dark berry and spice.
Single Vineyard Shiraz 2017
23,90 €
Australia
91 Robert Parker
Jim Barry Assyrtiko 2021
Jim Barry Assyrtiko 2021
The Jim Barry Assyrtiko is a fresh, vibrant Australian Assyrtiko, bringing the essence of Clare Valley terroir into each sip with lively citrus and a steely minerality.
Assyrtiko 2021
25,90 €
Australia
95 Robert Parker
Jim Barry The McRae Wood Clare Valley Shiraz 2018
Jim Barry The McRae Wood Clare Valley Shiraz 2018
This Shiraz honors the vision of pioneer Clare Valley winemaker Jim Barry. In 1964, Jim purchased 70 acres of prime land from Duncan McRae Wood and planted his first vineyard with Shiraz. It was an inspired choice of both grape variety and location.
The McRae Wood Clare Valley Shiraz 2018
48,90 €
Australia
96 Robert Parker
Jim Barry The Armagh 2013
Jim Barry The Armagh 2013
The Armagh 2013 is a collector’s Shiraz with intense dark fruit, fine tannins, and great aging potential, embodying the passion and heritage of Jim Barry Wines.
The Armagh 2013
262,00 €
Australia
99 James Suckling
Jim Barry The Armagh 2018
Jim Barry The Armagh 2018
Jim Barry’s The Armagh 2018 is a collector’s wine with exceptional concentration and poise, embodying the strength and elegance of Clare Valley’s terroir.
The Armagh 2018
269,00 €
Australia
98 Decanter
Jim Barry The Armagh 2019
Jim Barry The Armagh 2019
Jim Barry’s The Armagh 2019 is a deep and dense Shiraz, balancing intensity and elegance, ideal for collectors and enthusiasts of world-class Australian red wines.
The Armagh 2019
269,00 €