Smallfry is a partnership between Suzi Hilder and Wayne Ahrens. Current custodians of the Schlieb’s Vineyard in Vinevale, Barossa Valley with original plantings dating back to the 1850’s (only a few years after settlement of the Barossa). Original plantings are constrained to a large block referred to as Schlieb’s Garden, a nod to Ken Schlieb whose family held the vineyard since foundation before selling to Suzi & Wayne in 2007. Both Wayne & Suzi have long standing family involvement in the industry. With 14 ha under vine, this vineyard has been a secret weapon for producers Taras Ochota, Tom Shobbrook, Peter Schell, Steve Crawford and our very own Sierra Reed.
One of the last vineyards in Barossa to still have Semillon, Riesling and Pedro Ximenez, the vineyard is a history lesson in all things Barossa. About a third of the plantings were made in the 60’s by Ken Schlieb with further grafting by Wayne and Suzi in more recent times. Soils are Vinevale pure white sand over red clay. As dedicated and hands-on (certified) biodynamic farmers, an incredible input into the vineyards takes place all year and come harvest, the processing of fruit is kept simple to highlight the purity of the fruit.
NSW & ACT Distribution (Ex Northern Rivers)