Knappstein
A brand rich in history
A Clare Valley icon since 1878
Despite the wine brand only being established in 1976 by Tim Knappstein, the winery itself dates back to 1878. The foundational roots that were to become the winery were laid down by an entrepreneurial businesswoman named Fanny Filgate who constructed the Enterprise Brewery, with the purpose of satisfying the thirsts of local miners. In 1905 the brewery's name was changed to Clare Brewery and the brewery owned no less than 15 hotels in Clare and surrounding areas. The brewery underwent significant renovations and additions but closed in 1916 due to trading hours changes that restricted sales. In 1917 the site reopened as Clare Mineral Waters and they would produce cordials and soft drinks at the site until 1976. Today the winery sits on the original heritage-listed Enterprise site and continues to produce quality wines.
Shop Knappstein Wines
The Real Review 2023- Top Wineries Australia
The Real Review Top Wineries Certificate is awarded to a select group of wineries that consistently produce excellent wine. The Top Wineries list is a national benchmark that shows where your favourite winery is placed amongst its peers.
Winemaker
Michael Kane
Michael’s passion for all things wine began at a wine auction house in WA. While working as a cellar hand in Margaret River WA, Michael completed his studies and then set off to travel and work in wine regions including Central Otago, Oregon, Napa, Champagne and Burgundy. Over the years he has helped craft wine from some of Australia’s most well-known brands including Devils Lair, Stella Bella and Wolf Blass.
The ultimate in winemaking & varietal expression
Knapstein 'Enterprise' Spring Farm
Clare Valley Riesling
Every winery produces a flagship wine. A wine that captures and represents the ultimate expression of the varietal and their winemaking craft that goes into creating something truly special. Explore this wine here and other curated wines they have chosen for you from their collection which are presented below and throughout this site.
Knappstein 'Ackland Vineyard'
Clare Valley Riesling
Every winery produces a flagship wine. A wine that captures and represents the ultimate expression of the varietal and their winemaking craft that goes into creating something truly special. Whilst not always available, the winery has curated a range of other special wines for you from their collection which are presented below and throughout this site.
“Built on a rich heritage, it is one of the most recognisable and popular Clare Valley wineries”.
The Vineyards
Enterprise Vineyard
Planted in 1969, on a slightly warmer climate site containing low-yielding Cabernet Sauvignon that burst with flavour. The soils are Terra Rossa over limestone.
Mayors Vineyard
Planted in 1969 by a former Mayor of Adelaide. This site sits on the eastern slopes of the valley and is a little cooler in climate. The vineyard produces elegant savoury Shiraz.
Ackland Vineyard
Planted in 1971 in a cool climate region close to the Watervale township. Riesling from this vineyard are aromatic and have delicate floral nuances due to cooler night temperatures and an abundance of slate and shale rock found throughout the vineyard.
Sustainability
The approach to viticulture is to employ as many sustainable practices that reduce environmental impacts as possible. Examples of this are reduced use of chemicals, under-vine mulching, the use of livestock for weed control and the introduction of biological fungicides. These practices have also been introduced at the winery and office levels.
Moments in time
The Enterprise Winery site has such a diverse history and holds an important place in the greater history of the Clare Valley region and community.
