The Story of Longview Vineyard: A Legacy of Vision, Patience, and Excellence
Nestled in the heart of Macclesfield, Longview Vineyard offers more than just a breathtaking view; it embodies a deep connection to the land and a history that has shaped both the vineyard and the wines it produces today.
A SCENIC BEGINNING
Longview Vineyard Macclesfield is named for the spectacular vista from its elevated site, which stretches to the majestic Coorong, where the Southern Ocean meets the land. The name reflects not only the stunning visual panorama but also the philosophy that defines the vineyard’s approach to viticulture and winemaking. At Longview, taking the "long view" means combining vision, patience, and persistence to nurture the finest expressions of quality and style from our unique site.
HONOURING THE LAND’S TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS
We begin our journey by acknowledging the Peramangk people, the traditional custodians of this land. Their deep understanding of the land, honed over millennia, serves as an inspiration for us as we strive to care for and nurture the vineyard and its surrounding environment.
FROM FARMING TO MARBLE AND WINE
The history of the Macclesfield region stretches back long before the vineyard’s creation. From European colonisation in 1837 until the 1990s, the area was dominated by mixed farming, including the cultivation of potatoes and the raising of sheep, beef, and dairy cattle. The region was also renowned for its marble deposits, with veins stretching from Macclesfield to nearby Paris Creek over an 8 km distance. This distinctive pink marble, geologically known as Fork Tree Limestone, dates back to the Early Cambrian period and comes in shades of white, cream, blue-grey, and pink.
The unique colour palette of the marble inspired our Macclesfield wine range, which has quickly earned recognition for its classic expressions of the finest Adelaide Hills terroir. Each bottle tells a story of the land it comes from, as well as a commitment to crafting wines that reflect the region’s beauty and potential.
THE BIRTH OF LONGVIEW VINEYARD
The shift towards viticulture in Macclesfield began in 1995, when Adelaide entrepreneurs Duncan McGillivray and Karen Foster decided to plant the first vines at Longview Vineyard. The vineyard’s first vines marked the beginning of a new chapter in the region’s agricultural history, transitioning from mixed farming to the cultivation of world-class wine grapes.
In 2007, the vineyard came under the ownership of the Saturno family, marking a significant turning point. With a rich history in hospitality, the Saturno family quickly recognised the potential to transform Longview into a complete destination experience. Their vision expanded the vineyard beyond wine production to offer weddings, quality accommodation, authentic Italian-inspired food, and, more recently, a relaxing Day Spa.
THE PIECE PROJECT: WHERE ART MEETS WINE
One of Longview’s most ambitious and celebrated initiatives began in 2011 with the launch of The Piece Project. This annual event brought together four street artists each year to create large-scale murals live at Longview, in front of an enthusiastic crowd. The artists were not only awarded a cash prize but also the unique honour of having their artwork featured on Longview’s premium Shiraz label, “The Piece.” The project quickly became a hallmark of the vineyard, creating a lasting connection between art, culture, and wine.
Over the next decade, The Piece Project evolved into a super-premium, highly collectible wine series. The limited edition bottles, each adorned with a new mural, became highly sought after by wine and art lovers alike. Today, The Piece Shiraz continues to feature an acclaimed artist every year, each invited to paint their interpretation of the stunning Longview Vineyard landscape. The combination of art and wine has allowed Longview to create a truly distinctive product that resonates with those who appreciate craftsmanship in both forms.
A FUTURE BUILT ON TRADITION AND INNOVATION
Longview Vineyard’s story is one of continuous growth and adaptation. As we look to the future, our commitment to quality remains at the heart of everything we do. We work tirelessly to meet the evolving expectations of wine lovers while navigating the challenges of modern farming. Always guided by the principle of taking the long view, we continue to honour the land, the people, and the history that have shaped Longview Vineyard into the world-class destination it is today.
Whether it’s the breathtaking view, the exceptional wines, or the rich cultural history, Longview Vineyard stands as a testament to the importance of vision, patience, and persistence in both farming and winemaking. We invite you to join us on this journey, to experience the beauty of our vineyard, and to taste the fruits of our labour, where the past and the future come together in every bottle.
