The Barossa region exemplifies the viticultural potential of soil and altitude variation through division into two distinct sub-regions, the Barossa Valley and the adjacent Eden Valley. The Barossa Valley floor was formed by deposited clay when it lay under the seawater of the nearby Gulf of St Vincent. Nowadays, lying 250 metres above sea level the Barossa Valley has a patchwork of soils, brought to the surface by the hills on either side of the valley. Overlooking the Barossa Valley is the Eden Valley, which as approximately 550 metres above sea level has a discernibly cooler night-time temperatures. The diversity of soils and meso-climates makes block selection a fascination for the dedicated Schild family, and their winemaking philosophy of expressing the best from the southern Barossa.

The Schild vineyards are spread over seven unique sites in the southern Barossa. This unique tapestry of vineyards permits a wide range of varieties to be grown to their full potential and allows the Schild winemaking team to craft wines that speak of honesty and drinkability.

The Three Springs Farm vineyard is where the original Schild family estate is located. Situated on Steingarten Road at Rowland Flat, this vineyard sits at 380 metres above sea level. Vineyards at this altitude are traditionally much lower yielding than vineyards planted on the Barossa Valley floor, therefore, the fruit from these varieties planted are regarded as higher quality fruit. This vineyards began as a mixed farm with dairy sheep, stone fruit and a small acreage of vineyard. Following Ben Schild's passing in 1956, Ed Schild focused on the continual development of vineyards on this property.

Soil Profile

Loam over schist rock (limestone/slate) to red clay and brown earth at lower levels

Varieties Planted

Premium Riesling, Chardonnay, Semillon, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon

Located 4km north of the Lyndoch Valley township, this relatively young vineyard is managed to suit the soil profile of the and terroir ensuring premium fruit is produced. The vineyard was purchased by the Schild family in December 2001 and was already extensively planted. At 280 metres above sea level, this vineyard manages to produce some of the premium fruit Schild Estate uses today.

Soil Profile

Shallow red loam/clay over limestone to red brown earth and loam

Varieties Planted

Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling Frontignac

Originally used as broad acre farming, the Schild family purchased the 80 acre property in 1995. With an altitude of 195 metres above sea level, this property is located 3km west of Lyndoch township.

Soil Profile

Red and black alluvial loams with a distinct ridge of red loam over limestone

Varieties Planted

Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon

This famous vineyard near Jacob's Creek was planted in 1847 by William and John Jacob and includes shiraz plantings which are 160 years old. Following ownership from the Gramp family for 100 years the Schild family proceeded to redevelop the vineyard, preserving original ancient vines and extensively developed new vineyards. The vineyard reaches an altitude of 200 metres above sea level, which is the base of the Barossa Valley. This altitude allows the vines to be exposed to long sun hours during summer, which makes for great fruit ripening during harvest.

Soil Profile

Ancient alluvial loam and sand with some prominent ridges of red loam over limestone

Varieties Planted

Shiraz (some of which are over 160 years old), Chardonnay, Semillon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir

Planted up to 30 years ago, this vineyard is located at the base of the Barossa foothills 5km east of Lyndoch. With an altitude of 280 metres above sea level, and its location this vineyard is given shorter sunlight hours.

Soil Profile

Alluvial black loam

Varieties Planted

Riesling

Formerly grazing and broad acre farming, the 40 acres were soon turned into vineyard. The Schild family purchased the land in 1990 and found this site to be ideal for planting Semillon, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Located on the outskirts of the Lyndoch township, this vineyard sits at approximately 190 metres above sea level.

Soil Profile

Deep rich alluvial black loam

Varieties Planted

Semillon, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon

Michael Schild had his eye on the Kleemann property for some years, with its old bush vine Grenache and Mataro vines an attractive proposition to the Schild family vineyards. Purchased by the Schild family in 2006, this is the first time since settlement of the Barossa that this property has not been in the Kleemann name.

Soil Profile

Brown/black with limestone to red/brown with limestone

Varieties Planted