MMAD Vineyard is a South Australian producer founded by a partnership of four experienced winemakers: Martin Shaw and Michael Hill-Smith MW (founders of Shaw + Smith and Tolpuddle), chief winemaker Adam Wadewitz, and CEO David LeMire MW. During the first quarter of 2021, the team acquired a 16.5-hectare vineyard of established maturity in Blewitt Springs, a sought-after high-elevation pocket of McLaren Vale known for old vine Chenin Blanc, Shiraz and Grenache. What sets MMAD apart is their commitment to transform an existing site through improved viticulture—the same approach they successfully applied to Tolpuddle in Tasmania a decade earlier. The vineyard sits 200 metres above sea level, exposed to cooling south-westerly winds from the Gulf of St Vincent, which delay ripening by two to three weeks compared to the rest of the district.

About MMAD Vineyard

The 16.5-hectare estate occupies a distinctive terroir defined by Maslin sands overlaying ironstone pebbles—a combination that lends perfume and structure to the finished wines. The oldest vines on the property date back to 1939 (Grenache) and 1941 (Shiraz), with Chenin Blanc planted in 1964. These old vines are the foundation of MMAD's quality proposition. The team farms using organic principles, though not certified, maintaining permanent mid-row cover crops and green mulch in alternating rows to build soil health and promote balanced vine growth. The cool, wet Blewitt Springs climate and sandy, stone-rich soils work together to produce wines with remarkable aromatic intensity and complexity. The vineyard's location adjacent to award-winning local grower Sue Trott's site has proven the reliability of this microclimate for premium single-vineyard production. Under the guidance of this experienced quartet, MMAD is positioning itself as a serious single-vineyard producer, where viticultural excellence drives winemaking quality.

MMAD Vineyard Wines in Our Collection

The 2024 Blewitt Springs Chenin Blanc (94pts, James Suckling and The Wine Front both 94, Winepilot 96) is an expressive white with arresting texture and bright acidity—a wine built for cellaring. The 2022 Blewitt Springs Shiraz (93pts overall; Jancis Robinson 92, Winepilot 96, James Suckling 95, The Wine Front 97) displays old vine concentration with mulberry, blackberry, cinnamon and dark chocolate notes—generous and complex. The 2023 Blewitt Springs Shiraz (92pts; Winepilot 96, James Suckling 95) offers similar depth in a slightly younger vintage. For those seeking refinement, the 2022 Blewitt Springs Grenache (94pts; Jancis Robinson 91, Winepilot 96, James Suckling 96, The Wine Front 97) delivers pure red and blue fruit with striking purity and lightness. The 2023 Blewitt Springs Grenache (93pts; Winepilot 95, James Suckling 95) provides consistent quality in a riper vintage. Critic scores across all three varieties reflect the consistency and calibre of MMAD's winemaking.

Food Pairing

The Chenin Blanc's texture and acidity pair beautifully with seafood, particularly oysters, scallops, or white fish with butter sauces. The Shiraz works with slow-cooked lamb, beef brisket, and charcuterie—the cinnamon and dark chocolate notes complement savoury spice. The Grenache suits roasted game birds, duck, and Mediterranean dishes with herbs and olive oil. All three are food-friendly expressions suited to restaurant dining and home entertaining.

Who founded MMAD Vineyard?

A partnership of Martin Shaw and Michael Hill-Smith MW (Shaw + Smith and Tolpuddle founders), chief winemaker Adam Wadewitz, and CEO David LeMire MW. They purchased the Blewitt Springs estate in early 2021.

What makes Blewitt Springs special?

High elevation (200m), cool wet climate, south-westerly Gulf winds, and Maslin sand over ironstone pebbles. Grapes ripen two to three weeks later than the rest of McLaren Vale, producing aromatic, structured wines.

How old are the vines?

Grenache planted 1939, Shiraz 1941, Chenin Blanc 1964. These old vines deliver concentration and complexity central to MMAD's quality profile.

Who makes MMAD Vineyard wines?

MMAD Vineyard was founded by four experienced winemakers: Martin Shaw and Michael Hill-Smith MW, chief winemaker Adam Wadewitz, and CEO David LeMire MW. They own a 16.5-hectare vineyard in Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale, South Australia.

What style of wine does MMAD Vineyard make?

MMAD produces old-vine Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, and Grenache from Blewitt Springs. The Chenin Blanc is tropical and balanced (94 points), while both Shiraz and Grenache are rich and intense reds with aromatic complexity.