Pikes Wines
Clare Valley , South Australia
Winery Overview
The Pike family have been making hand crafted beverages in South Australia for 5 generations. With origins in the brewing and soft drink industry dating back to 1886, the Pike name, and it’s iconic English Pike Fish is now synonymous with Clare Valley, and Riesling in particular.
Pikes Wines was established in 1984, and it’s viticulturist founder Andrew Pike still oversees the vineyard and overall business. Chief Winemaker Steve Baraglia is undertaking his 19th vintage in 2021, his second as Chief Winemaker after co-founder winemaker Neil Pike retired in January 2020.
Nestled in the unique Clare Valley sub region of Polish Hill River, Pikes pride themselves on make precise yet delicious Riesling that reflects the vineyards and the vintage from which it came. There is nowhere to hide when making great Riesling; every decision and process is critical. From Vineyard to bottle, everything must be done without compromise.
Their red winemaking approach is more laissez faire, embracing the use of spontaneous fermentation, small open fermenters, compressed air cap management, and minimal oak influence. The goal being to showcase the brightness and vibrancy of the fruit, that comes from their estate due to it’s higher elevation, cold night time temperatures, and it’s slatey slightly acidic sub soils.
Andrew Pike’s viticultural philosophy is underpinned by the idea that healthy vines make great wine. As such great effort goes into creating an environment that allows the vines to flourish. Pikes have championed the use of under vine straw mulch, mid row cover-cropping, and minimal chemical use for decades. All organic solid waste from the winery is composted with cow manure and returned to the soil, whilst all liquid waste is treated via a system of natural reed beds before being used to irrigate the vines.
Pikes aim is to produce wines that are light on their feet yet grounded, balanced, and most importantly, delicious.
Available in
Belgium, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Poland, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, Thailand, UK, USA
Seeking Distribution in
Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, India, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Thailand, UAE
Chief Winemaker/s
Steve Baraglia (Chief Winemaker), Andrew Kenny (Senior Winemaker), Andrew Pike (Viticulturist)
Winemaker Bio
Born and raised in the Barossa Valley, winemaker Steve Baraglia was always going to be involved in the wine industry.
From an early age Steve was with working in the family’s small vineyard at Williamstown, which ultimately lead to a career in the wine industry. After finishing an Oenology degree and a Viticultural diploma at the University of Adelaide, he took up a position at Pikes in 2003, where he is now Chief Winemaker.
He is passionate about making wine and loves working with Riesling, a variety well suited to the Clare Valley. In late 2005 Steve and his wife Laura purchased as small vineyard at Sevenhill which is planted to Riesling, Shiraz and Cabernet. They live on the property with their three children Mason, Buddy and Evie.
Following Neil Pike’s departure from the Pike family business in January 2020, Steve has recently been promoted to the position of Chief Winemaker.