Yangarra Estate Vineyard

The property now known as Yangarra Estate Vineyard was first planted with Grenache bush vines in 1946 under its original name, Lalla Rookh. Jackson Family Wines acquired the estate in 2000 and renamed it Yangarra Estate Vineyard. The same year, Peter Fraser joined as winemaker, a role he continues to hold. The estate achieved biodynamic certification in 2008, cementing a farming philosophy that prohibits herbicides and pesticides across its 420 total acres.

• Originally named Lalla Rookh, meaning Love Nest
• Jackson Family Wines purchased the estate in 2000
• Peter Fraser has been winemaker since 2000
• Biodynamic certification achieved in 2008

Yangarra sits at an elevated site in the northeast of McLaren Vale, where Mediterranean climate conditions are tempered by cool evening breezes off the coast. The soils are among the most geologically ancient in Australian viticulture, formed from sandy dunes and sandy ironstone approximately 54 million years ago. Of the estate's 170 total hectares, roughly 90 are planted to vine. The remaining 80 hectares are preserved as native vegetation and wildlife habitat, a core part of the estate's biodynamic land management.

• Elevated northeast corner of McLaren Vale with coastal cooling influence
• Ancient sandy dune and sandy ironstone soils, 54 million years old
• 90 hectares under vine from 170 hectares total
• 80 hectares retained as native vegetation and wildlife corridor

Yangarra grows an exceptional range of southern Rhône varieties, anchored by old-vine Grenache. The estate holds 24% of all Grenache vines in McLaren Vale aged 70 years or older, making it one of the most significant repositories of old-vine Grenache in Australia. Yangarra was also the first producer in Australia to commercially plant Grenache Blanc. The variety list extends to Shiraz, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Cinsault, Roussanne, Viognier, Counoise, Muscardin, Terret Noir, Vaccarese, Picpoul Noir, Bourboulenc, and Clairette Blanc. Grapes from the estate are also supplied to notable McLaren Vale producers including Thistledown, Aphelion, Harrison, Ben Haines, and Hedonist.

• Holds 24% of McLaren Vale's 70-plus-year-old Grenache vines
• First in Australia to commercially plant Grenache Blanc
• 15 varieties grown, all southern Rhône in origin
• Supplies grapes to Thistledown, Aphelion, Ben Haines, and others

Winemaker Peter Fraser and viticulturist Michael Lane operate the estate under strict biodynamic principles. In the winery, the approach is equally unconventional for McLaren Vale: Yangarra uses ceramic eggs, amphora, and stone vessels for both fermentation and aging, deliberately avoiding oak. This approach prioritizes transparency of fruit and terroir expression. The High Sands Grenache, sourced from the oldest vines on the property growing in deep ancient sand, earned Wine of the Year at the 2020 Halliday Wine Companion Awards.

• Ceramic eggs, amphora, and stone vessels used instead of oak barrels
• Biodynamic farming practices across all 90 planted hectares
• High Sands Grenache won Halliday Wine of the Year 2020
• Viticulturist Michael Lane oversees the vineyard alongside winemaker Peter Fraser