Tintara

Tintara was the third of the three substantial winery and vineyard enterprises in the early days of McLaren Vale. It was established by Dr Alexander Kelly, who purchased 280ha of land in 1861 and planted the first vines in 63. It grew rapidly indeed too rapidly, because it ran into financial difficulties and was acquired by Thomas Hardy in 76. He recovered his purchase price with wine sales over the following year. It has been and continues to be a brand owned by Hardys, albeit with a semi-autonomous existence; its wines all come from the best McLaren Vale vineyards owned by, or contracted to, Hardys, and the deliberately limited production ensures its wines are always good. Exports to the US, Canada, Europe and Pacific Islands. -JAMES HALLIDAY