November 2, 2010
Hickinbotham’s Clarendon Vineyard and Winery expected to attract international interest
A South Australian vineyard and winery named by influential international wine critic Robert Parker Jr as one of the world’s greatest wine estates, is to be sold.
The estate – at the northern end of South Australia’s famed McLaren Vale wine region – was praised in Parker’s book, The World’s Greatest Wine Estates.
Clarendon Vineyard and Winery was established by Alan and David Hickinbotham in the early 1970s and has produced fruit for some of the world’s most acclaimed wines including Penfolds Grange Hermitage and Hardy’s Eileen Hardy, as well as the Clarendon and Hickinbotham labels.
Hickinbotham family spokesperson, Mr David Hickinbotham said the estate was being placed on the market following the death earlier this year of his father, Mr Alan Hickinbotham.
“Alan’s vision and my passion created and sustained these magnificent vineyards and it would be a challenge for any of us to take them to the next level, so as a family we have decided to pass on our legacy to an individual or organisation with the drive to continue the vineyards’ outstanding success,” Mr Hickinbotham said.
Alan Hickinbotham founded one of Australia’s largest home building companies, Hickinbotham Homes, with his father Alan Robb Hickinbotham in the 1950s. The company is currently led by his son Michael and daughter Ruth and has built more than 30,000 homes. Alan Robb Hickinbotham was also co-founder of Australia’s first oenology diploma course at Roseworthy in South Australia in 1936, spurring his grandson, David’s passion for fine wine-making.
Clarendon Vineyard spans 184 hectares (approximately 455 acres) and includes 83 hectares (205 acres) planted out to Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Grenache, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier.
The gently undulating property incorporates a mixture of high quality dry grown vines that were planted in 1961 as well as irrigated vines watered from the property’s significant dams. The picturesque Onkaparinga River flows through the estate.
The property also features two magnificent homes – a 740 square metre stately stone mansion designed by prominent architect Rob Cheesman and built to Alan Hickinbotham’s specifications in 1995, and the unique Earth Shelter house created by acclaimed German architect Gerhard Schurer in 1981, which has been home to David and Dena Hickinbotham for almost 30 years.
There is also a small boutique winery on the property which continues to produce outstanding quality wines.
Mr Roman Bratasiuk, the internationally renowned winemaker at nearby Clarendon Hills winery says the sale of Clarendon Winery is “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to join the ranks of Australia’s great vineyard owners.”
Jimmy Watson Trophy winner and former Australian Wine Judge Chairman, Brian Barry OAM echoes the view. “Whoever is lucky enough to purchase this property will become the custodian of a true blue-chip vineyard that is also a rich part of South Australia’s proud wine heritage,” Mr Barry said.
Selling agent Mr Mark Forde of Brock Harcourts Victor Harbor said the Clarendon property is a “jewel in the crown” of the Australian wine industry.
“The combination of spectacular rolling hills, the river and magnificent stands of mature gums; optimal climate and soil conditions; super premium vineyards; and the two amazing homes makes this a very special offering which we think will attract widespread interest from across Australia and internationally,” Mr Forde said.
The property, which spans five titles, is being sold as a whole but the separate sale of the homes may be considered. Expressions of interest will close on Tuesday, December 7, 2010 and the property in its entirety is expected to attract offers in excess of $10 million.
Further information: David Hickinbotham - 0409 836 600
Mark Forde – Brock Harcourts Victor Harbor - 08 8552 5744 or 0417 833 296
Issued by Hughes Public Relations: Tim Hughes on 08 8412 4100 or 0417 788 891.
