Robert Johnson Vineyards - Eden Valley
Alan & Veitch - Adelaide Hills

Robert Johnson Vineyards was established with the purchase in 1996
of a 30 acre /12.15 hectare vineyard and olive grove in the Eden Valley region.
The first merlot was produced in 1997.

Eden Valley is located in the Barossa Ranges approximately 15 kilometres south
of Angaston. The vineyard is relatively high in altitude ranging from 395 to 405 metres. This altitude assists in maintaining cooler temperatures during the ripening period resulting in greater flavour development.

The vineyard originally consisted of one acre of merlot grapes
and 12 acres of Olive trees in need of repair.

Since 1996 there has been a 3 acres of merlot planted along with 5.2 acres
of shiraz and 0.4 acres of viognier and the olives are now productive.

Currently the vineyard is undergoing the final stages of development
with 1.4 acres to be planted.

In October 1998, the one acre of merlot was severely damaged by 'black frost'
and the entire 1999 vintage was lost. As a result merlot was purchased from
long time friend and fellow grower Sam Virgara.

The wine produced was named after my vigneron parents who had 38 acres
of grapes at Blewitt Springs in the McLaren vale district. The vineyard was where
our family spent weekends throughout the year working the vineyard
and orchards of hundreds of fruit trees.

An Adelaide Hills cellar door has since been established in 'The Church'
at 33 Onkaparinga Valley Road, Verdun, South Australia.