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Metala Vineyards
Metala, settled in the mid 1850s on the banks of the River Bremer, is a 5th Generation vineyard with a long and proud family history. Arthur Formby bought the property from Herman Daenke, the original settler, in 1882. By 1891 the first vines, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon were planted opposite the main homestead. These along with some 1894 Shiraz are still producing quality fruit today.
The property has grown from the initial holding of 1001 acres to 2500 today. Aside from the 750 acres of vines, composed predominantly of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon with a small area of Chardonnay, the farm involves itself in broad acre farming and merino sheep breeding for wool and meat production. Land is also leased to a vegetable grower for leek and brussel sprout production.
A great part of the success of this vineyard can be attributed to the determination of the current day Managing Director, Guy Adams, to be at the leading edge of viticultural practice over the past 20 years. Metala has always embraced new technology and sought to improve performance while maintaining the high quality of fruit for which it is renowned. Guy, the 5th generation to manage the business, is passionate about ensuring the sustainability and viability of the property by implementing a constant program of improvement.
Metala supplies fruit to a variety of wine companies, particularly Beringer Blass who produce the estate label wine “Metala” which has been made for over 40 years. Wine had been made in the stone cellars at Metala from the late 1890’s and then in 1910, through family connection Stonyfell took over, still using the original open fermenters and cellars. In 1952 the production of the wine was moved to Stonyfell. Bryan Dolan, winemaker at the time, conceived the idea of Metala becoming an estate wine and in 1959 sketched out the Metala label. Bryan won the inaugural Jimmy Watson trophy in 1962 with the 1961 Metala Shiraz Cabernet. Bryan’s son Nigel Dolan is now the Head Red Wine Maker for Beringer Blass and continues the tradition of producing this iconic label. Aside from the big companies, Metala provides fruit for a number of smaller boutique labels such as Oddfellows, Killibinbin and their own label, Brothers in Arms.
Over the past decade Guy and his wife Liz have carefully restored the original Metala Homestead, bringing it back to the iconic building of yesteryear. Recently the gardens have also been rejuvenated. Guy & Liz live in the Homestead with their 2 young children, Myles and Emily who are the 6th generation to live on the property. Lake Plains Rd
PO Box 10 Langhorne Creek
SA 5255
T: 08 8537 3182
F: 08 8537 3383
E: metala@lm.net.au
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