The Thorpe Vineyard is ideally planted within 5 kilometers of the Southern Ocean. This proximity to the sea allows the grapes to benefit from cool breezes in the evening to temper the warmer afternoon temperatures and helps keep the ripening of the fruit in balance. The vineyard was planted in 1997 and straddles a gentle rise on the valley floor of McLaren Vale. The vines are planted in the highly sought after Biscay Clay over limestone soil. This terroir lends a beautiful minerality and floral component to the shiraz and cabernet fruit, creating a point of difference between Thorpe Wines and other McLaren Vale producers. Where possible, we farm organically and irrigate wisely in harmony with the needs of the vines. Currently there are 12 acres of shiraz and 5 acres of cabernet sauvignon under vine. All of our fruit is used in the production of Thorpe Wines.