A Tradition of Excellence: Our Winery's History
The Curtis Family Vineyards are established just west of the McLaren Vale township. Its vineyards have flourished, and now its sought-after McLaren Vale wines are available on the Australian and export markets.
The story of the Curtis Family Vineyards is about how everything old came new again...of how European immigrants came to Australia, struggled against the odds and then applied old-world values and experience to produce fine wines.
The new faces behind the Curtis Family Vineyards are Mark, Thomas & Jenna Curtis, with the guidance of their father, Claudio Curtis who lives on the vineyard just outside McLaren Vale. The name Curtis is thought to derive from Curtius, a noble and wealthy family of the First and Second Centuries AD, the Roman Empire era originating from the Latinium people.
Records show that the Curtis Family name first appeared in Cervaro in 1471, a town established by the Latinium tribe in Central Italy around the Second Century AD. Cervaro is situated approximately 10 km south of the monastery town of Monte Cassino, the site of some of the bitterest fighting between the Allied and German forces in Italy during World War II.
In 1499 the Cardinal de Medici allocated Paolo Curtis the authority to administer the Papal lands in the area around Cervaro. Upon these rich soils, they established vineyards and olive groves, which the family still farms. They became major wine-producing families, selling to large city merchants from Naples and Rome. The Second World War took its toll upon the winery and barrel storage buildings, with more destruction when the introduction of the Phylloxera grapevine louse, badly damaged the vineyards. Some were replanted and are harvested today. The young Claudio Curtis first became involved in vineyards while the later replanting was taking place. While his parents tendered the newly growing vines, Claudio tried to help by removing the growing shoots.
The Curtis Family have been growing grapes and making wine in McLaren Vale since 1973.
Today the Curtis Family are concentrating on developing complex premium Australian wines. Premium wines that show the Curtis Family's passion for great McLaren Vale Wine.
Gli evviva a lei e al buono vino dalla famiglia di Curtis - Cheers to you and to good wine ---The Curtis Family
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What makes Curtis wines a great choice for weddings?Our wines offer premium quality at accessible prices, crafted to impress a wide range of palates—perfect for large gatherings and celebrations.
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Is your GSM wine available for purchase online or only at the cellar door?Our GSM wines are available both online and at selected stockists locally and internationally.
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What makes Curtis Family Vineyards one of the best local wineries in McLaren Vale?Curtis Family Vineyards combines generations of Italian winemaking heritage with premium McLaren Vale terroir, offering award-winning wines and a personalized tasting experience and that's how it produces the best Australian Wines as well as considered the best Local wineries in McLaren Vale.
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Do you offer local wine tastings or tours at the vineyard?Yes, wine tasting tours are available by appointment and can be tailored to private groups, wedding parties, or events.
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What is a GSM blend, and do you produce one at Curtis Family Vineyards?A GSM blend is a red wine made from Grenache, Shiraz, and Mourvèdre. Yes, Curtis Family Vineyards offers a bold and well-balanced GSM that reflects the character of McLaren Vale.