ABOUT
The tyranny of distance coupled with a drought ridden river transport system helped drive the development of the South Australian railways from the mid 1850’s.
Railways were vital in servicing the prosperous agricultural, manufacturing and mining industries of the fledgling South Australian colony.
They were backbone of numerous regions. Having a train station in a town helped it to thrive and grow business and social connections with the capital city Adelaide.
By reducing transportation costs and distances across the vast terrain, new avenues for trade became available, both nationally and internationally.
Here we pay tribute to South Australia’s long and proud railway history.
EWEN McBAIN
Ewen McBain was employed by the great John Riddoch to run his newly opened winery in the late 1800s, building the business into one of the region’s most significant operations.
A known larrikin, he once painted a friend’s horse so its owner wouldn’t recognise which one was his after an evening at the pub.
After he retired in 1922, the road on which he lived was named in his honour.
Our McBains Vineyard was planted next to McBain Road and is a living tribute to the legacy of this local character.
THE COONAWARRA
Often referred to as Australia’s answer to Bordeaux, this narrow stretch of terra rossa soil in the south east of South Australia produces rich yet firmly structured cool climate wines.
The region is only 15km by 2km with the terra rossa layer no more than one-metre-deep over a base of free-draining limestone.
Coonawarra’s cool maritime climate and abundant sunshine provide ideal conditions for slow, even grape ripening.