Paracombe is home to the Somerville Shiraz vineyard, the oldest producing vines in the Adelaide Hills. These vines grow on the Drogemuller family vineyard located on the Paracombe plateau boasting some of the oldest geology and most complex terroir in the world.
Over 119 years old, these magnificent, centurion old vines date back to the early 20th century when James ‘Jas’ Somerville a pioneer settled in Paracombe in the late 1800’s. He was a man of vision and fortitude and the first to plant vines in the local district in 1903.
History saw many vineyards established in South Australia and then subsequently cleared to make way for different ventures. Remarkably this precious parcel of 500 Shiraz from the original Somerville vineyard at Paracombe still remained. Recognising their great significance, Paul and Kathy successfully dug up and transplanted these old vines to their own vineyard in 1997. They also took cuttings from the vines to establish new plantings and continue their legacy.
