Chapel Hill Winery

Chapel Hill Winery

Established: 1972 (vineyard planted)
Location: 1 Chapel Hill Road, McLaren Vale, South Australia
Historic Feature: Heritage-listed 1865 ironstone chapel
Website: https://www.chapelhillwine.com.au/

Historical Significance

Chapel Hill Winery stands as one of McLaren Vale's most historically significant properties, built around a heritage-listed ironstone chapel constructed in 1865. This Gothic Revival chapel served as both the local church and parish schoolhouse for the Seaview district until 1965, when it fell into disuse. The chapel's story reflects the broader settlement history of McLaren Vale and the important role of community institutions in early colonial life.

Chapel History:

• Construction: Built in 1865 by Methodist settlers
• Dual purpose: Served as church and schoolhouse for 100 years
• Architecture: Gothic Revival ironstone construction
• Community centre: Hub of social and religious life for early settlers
• Preservation: Carefully restored as integral part of winery design

Winery Establishment

The transformation from religious site to winery began in 1972 when Adelaide Professor Thomas Nelson purchased the property:

Development Timeline:

• 1972: Property purchase and vineyard planting commenced
• 1975: First vintage produced
• 1983: Pam Dunsford becomes winemaker, pioneering female leadership
• 2004: Michael Fragos appointed as CEO/Chief Winemaker
• 2019: Acquired by Endeavour Group's Paragon Wine Estates

Terroir and Location

Perched on the edge of the spectacular Onkaparinga Gorge, Chapel Hill's 120-acre estate benefits from unique geographical features:

Site Characteristics:

• Elevation: Elevated position overlooking McLaren Vale and Gulf St Vincent
• Soil: Shallow rocky soils over limestone base
• Drainage: Excellent natural drainage from hillside position
• Climate: Mediterranean climate moderated by elevation and coastal influence
• Views: Sweeping panoramas across wine region to coast

Winemaking Philosophy

Under current leadership, Chapel Hill emphasises minimal intervention and respect for terroir:

Production Approach:

• Gentle handling: Minimal processing to preserve fruit character
• Traditional techniques: Open fermentation and basket pressing for reds
• French oak aging: 20+ months in carefully selected barrels
• Natural clarification: No fining or filtration to maintain wine integrity
• Cool climate harvesting: Taking advantage of elevation for optimal picking conditions

Wine Portfolio

Chapel Hill produces an impressive range showcasing McLaren Vale diversity:

Flagship Wines:

• "The Vicar": Premium Shiraz honouring the chapel's religious heritage
• "The MV" Shiraz: Estate McLaren Vale expression
• "The MV" Cabernet Sauvignon: Classic regional Cabernet
• Chapel Hill Chardonnay: Cool climate white from Adelaide Hills
• Museum releases: Aged wines showing development potential

Specialty Releases:

• Zinfandel: Rare variety expression
• Grenache: Mediterranean variety suited to site
• Fortified wines: Traditional styles including "Old Devil" Tawny
• Rosé: Fresh seasonal offerings

The Chapel Experience

The historic chapel serves as the centrepiece of visitor experiences:

Tasting Room Features:

• Heritage setting: Wine tasting within 150-year-old chapel walls
• Atmospheric lighting: Gothic windows creating dramatic ambience
• Historical displays: Information about chapel and region history
• Art gallery: Rotating exhibitions of contemporary local artists
• Educational focus: Learning about wine, heritage, and regional development

Tasting Options:

• Standard flights: Seven wines for $10 (waived with purchase)
• Premium tastings: $20 for exclusive wine selections
• Private tastings: Customised experiences for groups
• Museum wine tastings: Older vintages showing wine development

The Retreat at Chapel Hill

The property includes purpose-built event facilities:

Wedding and Events:

• Chapel ceremonies: Historic chapel available for weddings
• Reception facilities: Purpose-built venues with vineyard views
• Accommodation: On-site guest house in vineyard setting
• Corporate events: Facilities for business functions and retreats
• Wellness programs: Retreats combining wine, food, and relaxation

VIP Wine Club

The "Vicar's Important People" club provides exclusive benefits:

Member Benefits:

• Exclusive access: First opportunity to purchase limited releases
• Special events: Member-only tastings and dinners
• Discounts: Preferential pricing on wine purchases
• Educational content: Behind-the-scenes information about winemaking
• Community connection: Network of wine enthusiasts sharing common interests

Sustainability Initiatives

Chapel Hill implements environmentally responsible practices:

• Vineyard management: Sustainable viticulture practices
• Water conservation: Efficient irrigation and rainwater collection
• Waste reduction: Recycling programs and waste minimisation
• Energy efficiency: Solar power installation and energy conservation
• Biodiversity: Preserving native vegetation and wildlife habitat

Awards and Recognition

The winery has earned significant recognition:

Winemaking Awards:

• International Winemaker of the Year: Michael Fragos at London IWSC
• Trophy wins: Multiple trophies at Australian wine shows
• Critical acclaim: High scores from international wine critics
• Export success: Recognition in international markets

Tourism Recognition:

• Heritage tourism: Awards for preserving and presenting history
• Wine tourism excellence: Recognition for visitor experiences
• Venue awards: Acknowledgment for event and wedding facilities

Educational Mission

Chapel Hill serves important educational functions:

Historical Education:

• Settlement history: Teaching about early McLaren Vale development
• Religious heritage: Preserving stories of faith communities
• Architectural significance: Showcasing 19th-century building techniques
• Cultural continuity: Connecting past traditions with present activities

Wine Education:

• Terroir understanding: Teaching about site influence on wine character
• Winemaking processes: Explaining traditional and modern techniques
• Variety characteristics: Exploring different grape varieties and styles
• Aging potential: Demonstrating how wines develop over time

Future Vision

Chapel Hill continues evolving while honouring heritage:

• Quality advancement: Continuously improving winemaking standards
• Heritage preservation: Maintaining historical integrity of chapel and site
• Experience innovation: Developing new visitor programs and activities
• Sustainability leadership: Advancing environmental responsibility
• Community engagement: Strengthening connections with local and broader wine communities

The combination of historical significance, quality winemaking, and innovative visitor experiences makes Chapel Hill Winery one of McLaren Vale's most distinctive destinations, successfully bridging past and present while creating wines that honour both heritage and terroir.