Blewitt Springs: McLaren Vale’s Hidden Gem for Grenache and Shiraz

When it comes to Australia’s top wine regions, McLaren Vale is a household name—but within its borders lies a lesser-known subregion that winemakers speak about in hushed tones of reverence: Blewitt Springs.

Nestled in the hills east of McLaren Flat, Blewitt Springs is prized for its elevated position, ironstone-rich Maslin sands, and cooling afternoon sea breezes that sweep in from the Gulf of St Vincent. These unique conditions create wines that are perfumed, structured, and elegant—even in warm vintages.

Why It Matters

Blewitt Springs is home to some of the oldest bush vine Grenache and Shiraz in Australia. Low-yielding, dry-grown vines dating back to the 1930s and ‘40s produce fruit with intensity, balance, and natural concentration. The sandy soils and underlying ironstone help preserve acidity and tannin finesse.

These conditions are a dream for winemakers who want to produce expressive, age-worthy wines with depth and restraint. It’s no surprise that many of the country’s most exciting producers—MMAD among them—have set their sights here.

MMAD Vineyard: A Benchmark for the Region

At Wine Simple, we’re proud to offer both the 2023 MMAD Grenache and 2023 MMAD Shiraz, both sourced from ancient vines in the heart of Blewitt Springs.

• MMAD Grenache: From vines planted in 1939. Perfumed, spicy, and effortlessly structured.
• MMAD Shiraz: From 1941 vines. Dark fruit, lifted florals, and fine mineral tannins.

These wines are a testament to what Blewitt Springs does best: complexity without weight, structure without harshness, and flavour without compromise.

Discover More from McLaren Vale

Explore our McLaren Vale wine collection or browse more hidden gems like MMAD at Wine Simple.

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FAQs

What makes Blewitt Springs different from other parts of McLaren Vale?

Blewitt Springs has sandy soils, higher elevation, and coastal breezes, giving its wines elegance, perfume, and ageing potential.

What grapes grow best in Blewitt Springs?

Grenache and Shiraz are the standouts, especially from old dry-grown vines. Chenin Blanc is also making a quiet comeback here.

Is Blewitt Springs good for ageing wine?

Yes—wines from this subregion often show great balance and structure, allowing them to age gracefully over 10–15+ years.