Basket Range Wine

Basket Range Wine is a family-run estate in the heart of the Adelaide Hills, where second-generation winemaker Sholto Broderick works alongside his parents, Phillip and Mary. The story begins in 1978, when Phillip purchased a steep, orchard-covered property in Basket Range and, against conventional thinking at the time, planted vines in 1980. What was once considered an unlikely site has since become part of one of Australia’s most influential wine communities.

From an initial production of just 100 dozen cases in 1983, the estate has grown steadily, particularly after the acquisition of a neighbouring property in 2000. This expanded vineyard, now covering around 4.5 hectares, is planted across a series of steep, varied slopes, with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay occupying cooler, sheltered aspects, while Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot thrive on warmer, sun-exposed sites. These Bordeaux varieties are relatively rare in the Adelaide Hills, giving the wines a distinctive regional expression.

Sholto Broderick formally took the reins in 2016, bringing with him experience from both local and European vintages, as well as a clear focus on organic practices and vineyard health. Much of his time is spent in the vineyard, working closely with the land to ensure balance and longevity, while in the cellar his approach remains restrained and considered. Using seasoned French oak and minimal intervention, he crafts wines that prioritise detail, structure, and a clear sense of site.

The vineyard itself sits at around 450 metres elevation, with ancient soils of sandstone, ironstone, and quartz layered through clay. Combined with the varied aspects of the slopes, this creates subtle but important differences across the site, allowing each parcel to contribute its own character to the final wines. These nuances are central to the philosophy at Basket Range Wine, where the aim is not to impose style, but to capture the individuality of each season and vineyard block.

Today, all fruit from the estate is dedicated to the Basket Range Wine label, with winemaking taking place on site, just metres from the vines. The resulting wines are both expressive and composed, often showing a balance of depth and elegance that reflects the unique conditions of the vineyard.

Basket Range Wine stands as a quiet benchmark for the Adelaide Hills, combining heritage, thoughtful farming, and a clear, site-driven approach to produce wines of consistency, character, and lasting appeal.