Shaw + Smith Wine

Shaw + Smith Wine is a South Australian producer founded in 1989 by cousins Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith MW, the first Australian to pass the Master of Wine exams. Based exclusively in the Adelaide Hills, they make refined, cool-climate wines that consistently rank among Australia's best. What sets them apart is their commitment to controlling the entire winemaking process from vineyard to bottle—a philosophy their current chief winemaker Adam Wadewitz (WINE magazine's Winemaker of the Year 2022) sums up as: "Three decades into our journey, our winemaking philosophy has shifted fundamentally: we craft our wines in the vineyard first, then refine them in the winery."

About Shaw + Smith Wine

The story of Shaw + Smith begins with two skilled winemakers united by family and vision. Martin honed his craft at the University of Bordeaux, while Michael brought the distinction of being Australia's first Master of Wine. Together, they identified the Adelaide Hills as the ideal home for making premium cool-climate wines.

Today, the winemaking team—led by Adam Wadewitz alongside winemakers Matthew Large and Alex Clark—works closely with viticulturist Murray Leake to manage several vineyard sites across the region. The key vineyards include Balhannah, Lenswood (purchased in 2012 as a high-elevation site), and parcels in Macclesfield. This diversified portfolio allows Shaw + Smith to craft wines suited to each vineyard's microclimate.

Shaw + Smith specialises in four varieties perfectly matched to the Adelaide Hills' cooler conditions: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz. Their approach reflects a philosophy of estate production—controlling vineyard management, harvest decisions, and winemaking technique at every stage. The Sauvignon Blanc draws predominantly from Balhannah and Lenswood fruit, with the M3 Chardonnay benefiting significantly from the high-elevation Lenswood vineyard and improved clones developed over the past decade. The Pinot Noir uses burgundian clones 777 and MV6, widely regarded as the foundation of Australia's best Pinot Noirs. For Shiraz, the team blends contributions from warmer Macclesfield parcels (which provide structure and richness) with cooler Balhannah vineyard fruit (contributing spice and perfume). The single-vineyard Balhannah Shiraz, made using whole-bunch fermentation and aged in 500-litre French oak puncheons, showcases the intensity and fragrance that cool-climate viticulture can achieve.

Shaw + Smith Wine Wines in Our Collection

The 2025 Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc (91pts) offers a fresh, tropical profile—an excellent introduction to the producer's style. For white wine lovers seeking complexity, the M3 Adelaide Hills Chardonnay is available in both 2023 (92pts, with scores as high as 95 from James Suckling) and 2024 (93pts, also reaching 95 from James Suckling). On the red side, the 2022 Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir (91pts) delivers a light, perfumed style typical of the region, while the 2024 Lenswood Vineyard Pinot Noir (92pts) shows greater depth from the higher-elevation site.

Food Pairing

Shaw + Smith's cool-climate style makes their wines naturally food-friendly. Pair the Sauvignon Blanc with goat's cheese, asparagus, or shellfish. The M3 Chardonnay suits roasted chicken, butter-based sauces, and aged cheese. Pinot Noir works with duck, salmon, and mushroom dishes. The Shiraz—especially the Balhannah vineyard bottling—complements lamb, beef with herb crusts, and dishes with pepper or spice notes.

Who founded Shaw + Smith Wine and what are their credentials?

Cousins Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith MW founded the producer in 1989. Martin studied at the University of Bordeaux; Michael was the first Australian to pass the Master of Wine exams in 1988.

Why does Shaw + Smith focus exclusively on the Adelaide Hills?

The Adelaide Hills' cooler climate is ideally suited to the varieties they specialise in: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz. Estate control over multiple vineyard sites allows consistent quality.

What is the philosophy behind Shaw + Smith's winemaking?

Chief winemaker Adam Wadewitz states: 'We make the wines in the vineyard.' This reflects their estate-production approach, controlling all stages from viticulture to bottling to ensure quality and style consistency.

Who makes Shaw + Smith wines?

Shaw + Smith was founded in 1989 by cousins Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith MW, Australia's first Master of Wine. Based in Adelaide Hills, the winemaking team is led by Adam Wadewitz (WINE magazine's Winemaker of the Year 2022), alongside Matthew Large and Alex Clark.

What style of wine does Shaw + Smith make?

Shaw + Smith specialises in cool-climate Adelaide Hills wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz. The 2024 M3 Chardonnay (93pts) is buttery and complex, while the 2023 Balhannah Shiraz (95pts) is rich and intense.

How much does Shaw + Smith wine cost?

Shaw + Smith wines range from £17.90 to £56.05. Entry-level options start at under £20; mid-range M3 and single-vineyard selections sit between £30 and £56.