Sparrow Vineyard — Mt. Torrens, Adelaide Hills

Overview

Mike and Margaret Sparrow operate a small-scale vineyard in Mt. Torrens, in the northern Adelaide Hills wine region. The vineyard mainly supplies grapes to boutique winemakers, particularly The Other Right (Alex Schulkin & Galit Shachaf), with whom they have worked for over a decade (e.g., 11 vintages of Viognier by 2023).

  • Region: Cool-climate Adelaide Hills GI

  • Primary role: Grape supplier for low-volume, artisanal production

  • Typical output: ~65 dozen bottles per wine style annually

  • Founding date: Not documented

  • Ownership history: Not documented

Vineyard Characteristics

  • Location: Mt. Torrens, 450–500 m above sea level

  • Climate:

    • Cool-climate profile; ~0.5°C temperature drop per 100 m elevation

    • Extended ripening periods

    • High acidity retention

    • Diurnal temperature swings enhancing complexity

    • Wet winters, dry summers, mild autumns

    • Influences: River Torrens catchment & Mediterranean-like conditions of Adelaide Hills

  • Soils: Ancient creek bed substrate with ironstone and granite ridge elements; mineral-rich and well-draining

  • Size: Not publicly specified; likely small based on production volumes

Viticultural Practices

  • Farming: Organic principles (certification not explicitly stated; possibly Southern Cross–aligned)

  • Sustainability:

    • No synthetic chemicals, herbicides, or pesticides

    • Focus on soil health & biodiversity

  • Harvesting: 100% hand-picked

  • Intervention: Low-intervention approach to suit natural wine production

  • Climate impact: Cooler seasons can delay harvest (latest recorded in 2023)

  • Irrigation/mechanization: Not detailed

Grape Varieties & Production

  • Viognier: Primary white; stone fruit & aromatic profile; often used for macerated styles

  • Pinot Gris: Skin-contact wines; tropical & fresh notes

  • Shiraz: Light-bodied, perfumed reds; lower alcohol (e.g., 10.9% ABV)

Annual Output:

  • ~780 bottles (65 dozen) per wine style

  • Hand-harvested & supplied exclusively to select winemakers

  • Cooler vintages (e.g., 2023) extend hang time, boosting flavor concentration

Associated Wines (by The Other Right)

Produced with minimal-intervention methods:

  • Wild yeast fermentation

  • Extended skin contact (whites)

  • No added sulfur

  • Unfined/unfiltered

  • Vegan-friendly

Notable labels:

  1. Sunshine on My Skin (Viognier) — Macerated orange wine; apricot blossom, persimmon, cardamom, almond; 11–12% ABV

  2. Multicoloured Sunrise (Pinot Gris) — Skin-contact; watermelon, nashi pear, rambutan; 11–12% ABV

  3. Hearts Will Repair (Shiraz) — Light red; red fruits & spice; 10.9% ABV; includes whole-bunch elements

  4. Moonshine (Viognier + Pinot Gris) — Featherweight orange; bergamot, Turkish delight, fenugreek, cardamom; no sulfur