Purple Hands Wines: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

 In the heart of the Southern Barossa, Purple Hands Wines has made a name for itself by producing wines that reflect the true essence of the region. Established in 2006 by winemaker Craig Stansborough and his close friend Mark Slade, Purple Hands started with just over a tonne of handpicked Shiraz. Today, it stands as a testament to what can happen when passion, expertise, and great terroir come together.

The Birth of Purple Hands

Craig Stansborough, the Chief Winemaker of a major winery, and Mark Slade, a wine enthusiast, joined forces to pursue their shared love for winemaking. Their first vintage—crafted in Craig’s shed—was a humble beginning that led to what Purple Hands is today. But one thing remained constant: their hands were literally stained purple from working with Shiraz grapes, which became the inspiration behind the winery’s name.

Purple Hands Wines now operates out of the Stansborough Vineyard, located in the Southern Barossa, just north of Williamstown. This 32-acre vineyard is planted on red clay over limestone—perfect Shiraz dirt—and also features Italian varietals like Montepulciano and Aglianico. The cooler southern end of the Barossa provides longer ripening periods, resulting in wines of elegance, complexity, and depth. The mission of Purple Hands is simple yet ambitious: to produce fruit-driven wines that are elegant and well-balanced, allowing them to age gracefully while being enjoyable even when young.

The Legacy of Shiraz in the Barossa

The Barossa Valley is renowned for its Shiraz, and Purple Hands Wines has placed this varietal at the core of its offerings. Their vineyard, with its unique soil and climate conditions, produces fruit that is distinctly Barossan—rich, bold, and expressive. Craig and Mark aim to showcase the diverse possibilities of Shiraz by creating wines that embody balance, elegance, and texture, distinguishing them from more traditional, high-alcohol styles often associated with the region.

Since their first vintage, Purple Hands has expanded its range to include not only Shiraz but also Montepulciano, Aglianico, and Grenache, highlighting the winery’s ability to adapt and innovate. Their wines are perfect for those looking to buy Barossa wine that offers both drinkability and cellar potential. Whether you’re looking for a wine to enjoy now or one to age for future enjoyment, Purple Hands has something to offer.

A Name that Reflects Their Philosophy

The name “Purple Hands” is a nod to the hard work and hands-on approach that goes into every bottle. Anyone who has made red wine knows the tell-tale purple-stained hands of a winemaker—a badge of honour in the industry. This ethos of getting their hands dirty and being intimately involved in every stage of the winemaking process defines Purple Hands Wines. It’s a small, boutique operation where every decision—from the vineyard to the cellar—is made with precision and care.

Their After Five Wine Co. label, created as a side project to showcase single-vineyard wines, exemplifies this attention to detail. Focused on minimal intervention winemaking, After Five produces wines that communicate the unique qualities of their Barossa sub-regions. The standout wines from this range include Shiraz, Old Vine Grenache, and a Shiraz/Montepulciano/Aglianico blend, affectionately named “Serata,” meaning a pleasant evening with friends. These wines are designed to be enjoyed during that golden hour after five, when friends gather to share great wine and conversation.

Exploring Barossa’s Viticultural History: Planta Circa

In 2012, Craig and Mark stumbled across a remarkable piece of Barossa’s viticultural history—an ancient vineyard with vines planted in the late 1800s. This discovery led to the creation of Planta Circa, a wine label dedicated to showcasing the fruit from some of the oldest vines in the region. These ancestor vines, estimated to be over 125 years old, produce some of the most complex and elegant wines in Barossa.

The Planta Circa Ancestor Vine Cabernet, first released in 2013, has consistently received high praise from wine critics, with James Halliday awarding it a 97-point rating in his 2016 Wine Companion. These ancient vines produce low yields, and as a result, these wines are made in very limited quantities—sometimes as few as 100 cases per vintage.

The minimalistic label reflects the winemaking philosophy: allow the vines to tell their story through the wine. The Planta Circa range, which now includes Shiraz and Grenache, offers a rare glimpse into the past of Barossa winemaking while showcasing the unique terroir of the vineyard.

Why You Should Experience Purple Hands Wines

At Wine Simple, we are proud to offer a selection of Purple Hands Wines, including their flagship Shiraz and exciting new blends. If you’re looking to buy wine online that captures the true spirit of the Barossa, you won’t be disappointed. Purple Hands Wines is the perfect choice for those seeking elegance, balance, and complexity in their wines.

From their After Five Wine Co. label, which is perfect for enjoying with friends after a long day, to the historic and prestigious Planta Circa range, Purple Hands has something to suit every wine lover’s palate. These are wines with a story—crafted with passion, innovation, and a deep connection to the land.

Discover the magic of Purple Hands Wines today and explore our collection at Wine Simple.