Family celebrates 50 consecutive vintages of an Australian wine icon

Jim Barry Wines is turning the clock back 50 years with the release of its 2023 Watervale Riesling. 

The family-owned Clare Valley winery is commemorating 50 consecutive vintages of its Watervale riesling with a limited-edition label.

The "groovy" 70s-inspired label pays tribute to the popular wine's birth year of 1974.

Sales and marketing director Sam Barry said the winery is proud of how this brand has grown
over the years - and three generations. 

“The Watervale Riesling has been a constant in our portfolio since our winery was built in 1974, and
it is the only wine that we have consistently produced every vintage since then,” Sam said.

“Its success is in its quality and consistency - the consumer knows what to expect every time they open
a bottle." 

Third generation winemaker Tom Barry said that while the style of the wine has evolved over the 50 years, the quality of the fruit has remained the same, and he hopes consumers will love the funky new label. 

“The fruit for this wine was originally sourced from a property owned by my grandparents, Jim and
Nancy Barry, in Watervale,” he said. “When my dad, Peter, and his brothers purchased the historic
Florita vineyard in 1986, production was able to increase considerably.”

“The balance achieved between fruit concentration and acid in 2023 s outstanding.” 

The 2023 Jim Barry Watervale Riesling is available at all major retailers throughout Australia.

UPDATE: I have just tried the wine and it is exceptional value. Classic Clare lemon/lime sherbet characters and refreshingly zingy acidity make it a delicious option on a summer day, or later on with a fish supper. Definitely under-priced with an RRP of $22.