Windback Wednesday - Auldana Vineyards

Within the Skye Cellars complex at 578 The Parade, Auldana, a small section of original cellar buildings remain which were part of the Auldana Vineyards enterprise developed by Patrick Auld. He planted vines on his property from 1854 onwards, and in 1862 Auld floated the South Auldana Vineyard Association, taking over full ownership in 1865.

New cellars and drives (storage tunnels) were constructed in 1895 after Sir Josiah Symon had purchased Auldana and began making champagne and sparkling wine.

The cellars were completed in 1897 when Edmond Mazure, as Manager of Auldana, was the principal wine maker. In 1943 the Auldana Cellars and Vineyards were purchased by Penfolds Wines and were used for the maturation of St Henri shiraz.

During Penfolds' ownership the cellars were enlarged and considerably remodelled, particularly the external areas of the original cellars. Auldana Cellars were unused for several years and are now in separate ownership and known as Skye Cellars.

A group of men and boys in the vineyards at Auldana Winery circa 1895. State Library of South Australia.