Stonegarden by Ben Radford: Ancient Wines From A 166-Year-Old Vineyard

With a history spanning 166 years, Stonegarden has recorded many varied and pivotal events over time, most recently, a new chapter has unfolded in the Stonegarden story. Renown winemaker Ben Radford, owner of Stonegarden and head winemaker at Rockford wines, is keeping history alive though these brilliant wines from the heart of Eden Valley, Barossa.

Stonegarden is a single vineyard in Eden valley that was planted 166 years ago in 1858. The vineyard has been tended organically for the last decade and the wines are made by Ben Radford who has been in charge at Rockford for 20 years. These wines are from a hidden part of Australian history and the wines that speak of their place in the world and in time. The vines are ancient, the yields are puny and there is not a lot of wines available.

“Out there, east of the main route through the Eden Valley, in dry, rolling hills, sits a 160-year-plus vineyard that is little known to anyone outside the Barossa. In the past few years, though, it has been rediscovered and is the source of some truly exquisite wines.” - Tony Love, Halliday Wine Companion

Stonegarden winery and cabenert sauvignon vines.

1858 Grenache vine close-up.

Ben Radford and 1946 grape destemmer.

Ben’s barrel sampling.

BEN RADFORD: KEEPING HISTORY ALIVE IN THE BAROSSA

After years at Rockford Wines in the Barossa Valley, the award-winning winemaker Ben Radford resigned his position as Winemaker/Managing Director, to fulfil his winemaking vision. The seeds to nurture his own winemaking venture had been sown years before, while as a young man Ben worked many vintages in wineries across the world, including the Barossa Valley, Burgundy in France, the Niagra Peninsula in Canada, in Spain and in South Africa.

Ben was aware of the exceptional quality of the Stonegarden Vineyard as he had previous experience making wine from the Stonegarden Grenache. When the opportunity arose to join Glen as a partner in Stonegarden the decision was straightforward. He still maintains his connection to Rockford, guiding the winemaking and viticulture team and assisting with the transition to the next generation while ensuring that the Rockford. winemaking style and principles are preserved.

AVAILABLE STONEGARDEN WINES TO ORDER: Eden Valley Riesling, Northwest Grenache, Field Blend Grenache, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon