Destination: ‘Ulithorne, McLaren Vale’



In 1971 Frank and Judy Harrison planted 30 acres of their 100 acre farm to Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon to convince the local council that they would responsibly dispose of the effluent from their proposed piggery. To their disappointment, the authorities did not approve the piggery and they were left with a 30 acre vineyard!

In 1997, Sam Harrison and Rose Kentish leased and subsequently purchased the vineyard. In 1998, they planted a further 14 acres of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon on the north facing hills. In 2002, they purchased 25 acres from their neighbour and have planted it to 1/3 Merlot and 2/3 Shiraz. ‘Ulithorne’ was named after Ullathorne, the first Irish Catholic Priest in Australia