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Hans and Ulrike Zimmermann came from North Germany 20
years ago. Hans was a young architect, but even during
his student days, he had a burning ambition to own a
vineyard. Ulrike, his wife was an artist and made
hand-crafted ceramic tiles. In 1982 they arrived in
South Australia and travelled in search of suitable
areas, where they could settle down and create their
dream vineyard.
They fell in love with the Willunga Hills in the McLaren
Vale, which still had a few almond groves but was now
being taken over by vineyards. They found 23 acres,
tucked away on native grassland with a small winter
creek running through the slopes, on the edge of the
Hills. This was the perfect location, with its own and
microclimate that provided the best possible conditions
for growing the Shiraz grapes. The soil, a mixture of
granite, limestone and clay, so essential for producing
the distinctive character and classical style of Shiraz.
It has taken many years to establish their boutique
vineyard amongst the beautiful old gum trees, but in
1998 the ‘Zimmermann Winery’ started production and they
opened their cellar door to the public.
Hans and Ulrike now work full time managing their
vineyard and winery, working closely with their
wine-maker Scott Rawlinson. Ulrike's artistic talents
can be seen everywhere, as they also run ‘The Blue
Grape' bed and breakfast, an idyllic spot overlooking
the vineyard, across the valley out to sea. |
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