THE HENRY HOLMES STORY

 

In the 1860’s the Henscke family, after migrating from Germany, planted grapes in the Barossa Valley floor on the property that today is home to Henry Holmes Wines. The region provided the German settlers with the perfect terroir for growing grapes that produced wines with intense flavors, colour and balance. The wines had fantastic ageing potential. Today the Holmes family has continued to produce this traditional Barossa Valley Shiraz.

The name Henry Holmes is derived from a Holmes family tradition. The first-born son is always named Henry. My Great-Great Grandfather Henry Holmes and G-G-Grandmother gave birth to my Great Grandfather Henry Holmes on the ship from England, making him the first Australian Henry Holmes. Once on Australian soil, the Holmes tradition continued with Grandpa Henry Bertram, my Father William Henry and me Samuel Henry. When our first Shiraz was born from our family vineyard we naturally named him Henry Holmes.

Like many family enterprises, we have not been with out controversy. Penny and Bill Holmes have battled for years over the use of their Barossa Valley farm. Penny, an avid breeder of show winning White Suffolk sheep, has tried to keep the land for the grazing and breeding of her flock. Bill on the other hand believes that the German settlers came to the Barossa Valley because they realised it demonstrated perfect conditions for making world-class wines, (he also enjoys the fruits of his labour). He would have the land covered with vineyards.

The battleground is evenly divided with one side of the property filled with vibrant, green vines and the other with a mob of ever-hungry sheep eyeing the lush fruit that hangs from Bill’s vines. It is this family debate that inspired our logo - a game of ticktacktoe (noughts & crosses) with the Sheep and Grapes battling for the use of the land and with one play left in the game.

In reality, it is you who will probably determine the fate of the farm. Bill I know is hoping you savour and enjoy this bottle of wine as much as we loved making it.

Or you could pair the Henry Holmes Shiraz with lamb and every one would be happy.

 

Enjoy with Family & Friends,
Samuel Henry Holmes.

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