Wirra Wirra

In 1894, loveable eccentric Robert Strangways Wigley, purchased land in McLaren Vale and established Wirra Wirra, taking the name from the indigenous word for “among the gum trees”. In 1969 visionary Richard Greg Trott took the walls of the original cellars and built one of Australia’s iconic wineries. Our wines are matured within the historic walls of the old 1894 cellars today. Wirra Wirra has been figuratively and literally the heart of the McLaren Vale wine region since its inception. Each year just prior to harvest, the winemaking community gathers on the lawns at Wirra Wirra to ring in the new vintage on our giant Angelus bell. We recognize the importance of preserving this special part of the world through our certified biodynamic and organic vineyards and Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certified winery, planting 5,200 native trees on property and sourcing electricity from 400 solar panels. Since 1894 the Wirra Wirra name has been synonymous with McLaren Vale. Today it’s famous for classic wines that winemaker Emma Wood beautifully crafts from the region’s heritage varieties of Shiraz, Grenache & Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cambodia, Canada, China, Denmark, Fiji, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan, UK, USA, Vietnam

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Greece, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Malta, Mexico, New Caledonia, Philippines, Poland, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, UAE

Emma Wood - Chief Winemaker, Kelly Wellington - Winemaker, Grace Wang - Winemaker, Anton Groffen - Viticulturist

Emma joined Wirra Wirra in 2022 after a diverse career at Treasury Wine Estates. Her most recent role as Senior Winemaker for Penfolds saw her heading the brand’s winemaking venture in France and leading the Penfolds winemaking team. Previously Emma held the roles as viticulture winemaker working across Australia’s premium winegrowing regions. Prior to this she was the Senior Winemaker at Seppelt Great Western in Victoria’s Grampians region. Emma was attracted to the sustainable farming philosophies of Wirra Wirra and the chance to continue the legacy of iconic McLaren Vale wines like Church Block, The Angelus and RSW. Emma is also an accomplished wine show judge.