The Family
Since 1851 five generations of the Bryson family have been involved in agriculture and the unique and fertile land in South Australia. Our vineyards at Padthaway are planted on some of the world’s oldest mineral rich soils and in the most temperate of maritime climates. The family business was built over the past half century by Clive Bryson, who has now handed the day-to-day operations over to the next generation, his three sons, Andrew, David and Paul.
David oversees every aspect of the business, from winemaking, packaging, stock control, to national and international distribution, sales and marketing. David’s knowledge and skills come from a successful 21 year career in Banking & Finance.
Andrew, our resident viticultralist, grew up on the family property at Padthaway and was instrumental in setting up the 210 acre Morambro Creek Vineyard in 1994 with the help of other family members. Andrew is the Senior Viticulturalist and has completed a diploma in Agriculture at Roseworthy College, a certificate in viticulture and contributes to a number of industry organizations.
Paul is our resident grazier and agricultralist, grew up on the family property at Padthaway. Paul manages the families other 210 acre estate vineyard. He has completed a certificate in viticulture together with several other industry certificates.
The Vineyard:
At Jip Jip Rocks, it is our sole objective to produce the best wines possible from our unique vineyard site. Located in the Padthaway valley which is comprised of rich Terra Rosa soils our estate vineyard benefits from excellent sun exposure producing grapes of optimum flavour, colour and tannin development. The warm summer days are moderated each evening by coastal winds that cool the vines and result in a longer ripening period. This extended period allows for the grape tannins and seed to fully ripen prior to being harvested, thus creating wines that are rich and supple on the palate.
Vinification:
The wines from Jip Jip Rocks express full varietal flavours, take advantage of the Padthaway’s maritime climate with its long slow ripening season and unique soils. We use traditional winemaking methods, complemented by modern winemaking technology with minimal processing to ensure the purity, integrity, texture and flavour from our vineyard.
Our pursuit of great wine can also be seen in the meticulous management of our vineyard. We strive for low crop yields and small grape bunches of intense flavour, and whilst we employ the latest technology in the vineyard to help us achieve vine balance and reduced vigour, we harvest when the fruit reaches full flavour development.
All of this is overseen by: Specialist Ben Riggs who has had 21 years of wine making experience, with 14 years being spent at Wirra Wirra. Ben has also presided over 8 international vintages in countries such as USA, France, Greece and Italy. His extensive experience with a broad range of wine styles gives Ben the unique position of being a true Master Winemaker.
Brad Rey who comes to us with over 20 years of management and sales experience within the wine industry and held senior sales and marketing roles at Coriole Vineyards, Wirra Wirra Vineyards, and the Chalone Group in California. Brad has a degree in wine making from Charles Sturt University and completed vintages in California, Oregon and France.
The Wines:
The 3 Gold Medals award winning Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz 2009
Jip Jip Rocks Unoaked Chardonnay
Jip Jip Rocks Sauvignon Blanc
Jip Jip Rocks Sparkling Shiraz
Jip Jip Rocks Sparkling Cuvee Chardonnay
