Prepared by Louisa Rose, Winemaker and Head of Sustainability, Hill-Smith Family Estates
Barossa Valley
For the second winter in a row, the Barossa Valley did not receive the soaking winter and spring rains that had been hoped for, and drought conditions prevailed. After a very dry 2024 Autumn, where only 12 (12.4mm) of the average rainfall was received, winter started looking promising, with average June and July falls. However the rain didn’t last, and before soils filled, August had less than half its normal amount (23.8mm).
Spring was even drier with a total of only 78mm, 71% of normal. Summer continued to be dry, December and January both had less than 10% of their average rain (2.4 and 1.4mm respectively). Summer rainfall overall was 25% of average. The calendar year 2024 received 302.2mm rain, 69% of average (following the dry 2023 at 74%).
August was not only dry but experienced considerably warmer day and nighttime temperatures (+2.9C and +2.0C respectively), which led to budburst some 2-3 weeks earlier than normal. Some early sites had budburst in late August.
September days were warmer than average (+0.7C) which helped the vines grow, but the dry conditions meant clearer skies, and nighttime temperatures plummeted to below zero on the 13th, 17th and 18th of September, causing widespread frost damage. The frost meant some vineyards had little or no resulting grapes. However despite early gloom, many recovered, with vines growing fertile secondary shoots.
Daytime temperatures in October and November remained above average (+2.0C and +1.2C respectively), as did the nights (+1.3C and +1.2C), and vines grew fast, despite the low rainfall. Flowering was early although variable, depending on frost impact.
December and early January continued with warmer than average days (+2.1C and +1.5C), and vines flourished, moving quickly into their ripening phase, and harvest started early in February for many. February and March continued the pattern of warmer days (+1.9C and +3.8C) and nights (+0.7C and +3.0C), and vines continued to ripen quickly. Loose bunches and small berries characterised many vineyards.
Barossa growers and winemakers cannot remember an earlier start or finish to a vintage. Many finished harvest before the end of March, and even the latest sites and varieties were harvested in early April, well before Easter – which is very unusual.
In 2025, quality across the board looks great. Although yields were variable depending on site and variety and water availability, overall many vineyards achieved 80 to 90% of normal crops. Particular standouts are Grenache and Shiraz.
The Barossa’s ability to thrive despite the variability of weather, gives us confidence that we can call 2025 yet another vintage to savour and celebrate.
(Weather data from Nuriootpa (PIRSA) weather station)
Eden Valley
For the second winter in a row, the Eden Valley did not receive the soaking winter and spring rains needed to fill soil profiles and water storages, and drought conditions prevailed. 2024 Autumn was very dry, with only 20% (28.2mm) of the average rainfall falling. Winter rains did fall, but only 89% of average (238.4mm), and not enough in any one event to have any subsequent run-off. Spring was dry with a total of only 121.6mm, 77% of normal. The dry conditions continued into summer, rainfall for the three months was 22% of average (17.4mm). The calendar year 2024 received 446.6mm rain, 69% of average.
August was not only dry but experienced considerably warmer day and nighttime temperatures (+2.9C and +2.2C respectively), which led to budburst some 2-3 weeks earlier than normal. September day temperatures were average, but the dry conditions meant clearer skies, and nighttime temperatures in the middle of the month were low enough in some parts of the Eden Valley for frosts to occur, causing damage to many vineyards. Some vineyards completely reshot and had some secondary shoots and crop, others did not recover as well.
Daytime temperatures in October and November remained above average (+1.9C and +1.4C respectively), as did the nights (+1.0C and +0.6C), and vines grew fast, despite the low rainfall. Flowering was early although variable depending on frost impact.
December and early January continued with warmer than average days (+2.3C and +1.5C), and vines flourished, moving quickly into their ripening phase, and harvest started early in February for many. February and March continued the pattern of warmer days (+1.7C and +4.0C) and vines continued to ripen quickly. The significant diurnal temperature difference, caused by the higher elevation of the Eden Valley, is important for preserving the regions typical aromatics, acids and character. Despite the overall warmer weather this season, there was still significant difference, and we have seen some excellent natural acids, freshness and aromatics in whites and red wines.
One of the earliest vintages in the Eden Valley in memory, many finished picking before the end of March, and even the latest sites and varieties were harvested in early April, well before Easter – which is very unusual.
In 2025, quality in Eden Valley is excellent, but yields were very variable depending on site and variety and water availability. Overall, most would have been lucky to reach 80% of normal crops, many harvested a lot less. Particular standouts include Riesling and Shiraz.
(Weather data from the Mount Crawford BOM weather station in Eden Valley can be quite varied, particularly in its rainfall. Many sites would have had significantly less rain than is reported above).
