Expanding into red wine territory after a decade of creating white wines from the Adelaide Hills, Wirra Wirra, established at McLaren Vale in 1894, has purchased renowned pinot noir producer, Ashton Hills.

Founded by Stephen George in 1982, Ashton Hills has slowly built up a reputation as one of Australia’s finest pinot noir producers, sourcing from his three hectare, dry grown vineyard in the Piccadilly Valley.

Wirra Wirra Managing Director, Andrew Kay announced the purchase, saying: “We first made white wines from Adelaide Hills fruit back in 2003 when Greg Trott saw the potential of the cool-climate region, but the red wine opportunity has eluded us until now.

“The chance to build upon the legacy of Stephen’s work was too good to pass up and for it to happen not only with his blessing, but also his ongoing contribution, is incredibly satisfying for us.”

Stephen George said of Wirra Wirra: “I feel a definite rapport with their people and having seen how respectfully and successfully they have managed their business in the wake of Greg Trott’s passing, I believe the legacy of Ashton Hills is in safe and sensitive hands.”

Kay said: “Ashton Hills is obviously the benchmark for pinot noir, but also produces an exceptional riesling and wonderful sparkling, so we will see where they can take us and what opportunities this presents, however for now it’s business as usual.

“We’ve spent the last decade fulfilling Trott’s dreams and visions and I hope we can do the same in the future for Stephen and Ashton Hills.”