Sevenhill Cellars

Sevenhill Cellars is the foundational winery of the Clare Valley, established in 1851 by Jesuit priests. The founders, led by Father Aloysius Kranewitter, were refugees who fled religious persecution in Austria. They purchased 100 acres of land near the town of Clare and named the property after the seven hills of Rome. The winery remains under the ownership of the Australian Province of the Society of Jesus, making it the only remaining Jesuit owned winery in Australia. Revenue from the estate supports the charitable works and social justice programs of the Jesuit Mission throughout Australia and Southeast Asia.

The estate manages 95 hectares of vineyards situated at an elevation between 400 and 500 meters above sea level. This altitude facilitates cool night temperatures that assist in the slow ripening of grapes during summer. The terroir is characterized by diverse soil profiles, including red loam over siltstone and limestone. The property contains some of the oldest vineyards in the region, including a Shiraz block dating back to 1860. Winemaking involves a combination of contemporary practices and the use of historic infrastructure, such as an underground slate cellar hand dug in the 1850s that provides a consistent temperature for barrel maturation.

While the producer is a major supplier of sacramental wine for the Catholic Church across the Asia Pacific, it is equally recognized for its premium table wines. The flagship offering is the Saint Ignatius, a Bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc named after the founder of the Jesuit order. Its Riesling and Shiraz are also central to its reputation, often sourced from heritage vine blocks. The site is a significant heritage destination, encompassing the neo Gothic Saint Aloysius Church and a cellar door that has operated for over 170 years. Ben Marx serves as the current chief winemaker, overseeing both the commercial portfolio and the traditional fortified altar wines.