Our Story
It all began when a group of medicos decided to realise a lifelong passion - creating a wine from bare earth and sunshine. The earth was found at McLaren Vale, one of South Australia's premier wine regions, renowned worldwide for its Shiraz and other red wines. The sunshine was free.
Between them and their families Fox Creek Wines was born and they could not have even guessed what a success their venture would be.
When Jim and Helen Watts bought the 32 hectare Fox Creek Vineyard property in 1984, they were advised against planting vines as the soils were heavy clay. The property had previously been used for growing barley and grazing sheep. Undeterred by the sceptics, they selected and planted fine quality cuttings and nurtured the young vines. Their labours bore fruit - extraordinary good quality fruit - that was lovingly converted into supreme quality wines. Under the skilled guidance of the winemakers, the wines came to life!
Leader of the pack and the first wine made at Fox Creek was our 1994 Shiraz, which won the Trophy for the best wine at the McLaren Vale Wine Show in 1995. Success has continued and Fox Creek now markets single varietal wines from Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (Duet), Shiraz - Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet Franc (JSM), Shiraz and Grenache, and a sparkling Shiraz - Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet Franc (Vixen). The white wines produced are a wooded and unwooded Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdelho and Vermentino
Since Fox Creek was established, many of our wines have been recognised by being awarded both Trophies and Gold Medals from National and Regional Wine Shows. The details are all shown in the individual tasting notes for each of our wines.
In 2003, a new label in a lower price bracket was introduced named 'Shadow's run' named after the vineyard Border Collie Shadow. The first wine released under this label was the 2001 Shiraz Cabernet, blended as a soft, full flavoured and spicy wine.
The Red Baron Shiraz flew onto the shelves in 2006. It is our third Shiraz and has a rich soft entry which leads into a blend of red berry, cherry and plum fruits framed with smooth ripe tannins.
Fox Creek Wines have become well known for our three Shiraz wines; Reserve Shiraz, Short Row Shiraz and Red Baron Shiraz.
Have you heard of Fox Creek Wines?
You may have tried our wines at one of the many Festivals or Events that we sponsor. What do we support?
