The Adelaide Hills are one of Australia’s premier cool climate growing regions. Bordered by the Barossa Valley to the North and McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek to the South. They form part of the Adelaide Rift Complex (or Adelaide Geosyncline) which stretches from the Flinders Ranges via the Barossa Valley and Fleurieu Peninsula through to Kangaroo Island. In terms of soil profile, the hills are a mix of sandy loams, loams and clay loams over clay subsoils. It’s also not unusual to find these soils combined with shale and ironstone. Adam joined Wicks in 2020 following his time at Seppelt, Great Western. He’s a graduate of Charles Sturt University and has worked with wineries across the Yarra Valley, Margaret River and Central Victoria. Adam’s the master of large scale and timing—he always knows the precise moment to pick (ensuring our grapes retain character of provenance once processed and in the bottle). When he’s not in the winery Adam’s often found in the kitchen—preparing pastries or desserts or restoring furniture. He’s quite the all rounder. It’s a term we use a lot these days, and with good reason. Cool climates conspire to produce wines of elegance, quality and finesse; that not only retain varietal flavours and diversity but also truly express terroir. But the cooler the climate, the greater the need for meticulous vineyard planning, design and viticultural management. We think it’s worth it though—even if we do have to don a few extra layers in winter!
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Woodside, SA, Australia