Tim Adams cannot believe his own latest news. Less than eighteen months after his ‘deal of the century’ that saw him snap up 75 ha of established Leasingham vines in the Clare Valley from Constellation Wines Australia for just $850,000 (which included a brand-new irrigation system worth about half that figure), Adams has done it again. This time, with his wife and business partner Pam Goldsack, he has become owner of the historic 1,500 tonne Leasingham winery itself, plus its cellar door. The purchase price is similarly bargain basement as the vineyard deal. This historic winery facility represents the heart and soul of Clare Valley winemaking. Adams and Goldsack have not purchased the Leasingham wine brand (see below), but will operate the winery as Tim Adams Contract Processing, becoming a facility for small local producers and growers. The brand’s existing base on Warenda Road, which includes its winery, office complex and cellar door will continue to operate as Tim Adams Wines. Since his business began in 1987, Adams has been a popular champion of Clare and its wines. He began his winemaking career in 1975 as a cellarhand at Leasingham under the revered Mick Knappstein, so he finds the development more of a homecoming than a new venture. In addition to a new range of wine to be called ‘Mr Mick’s’, Adams and Goldsack will also produce a range of wines made and sold for Variety SA, the Children’s Charity. Constellation Wines Australia’s president Troy Christensen, recognises the opportunity this sale represents for the Clare community and how important it is for the famous site to retain a strong local connection.
