Our Story

Wines by Geoff Hardy is built on a philosophy of innovation, exploration, and a deep respect for the land. Founded by Geoff Hardy, a fifth-generation descendant of Australian wine pioneer Thomas Hardy, the business represents more than 165 years of winemaking heritage—while always looking to the future.

In the early 1980s, Geoff made the bold decision to step away from the family business and forge his own path. Guided by a vision to push the boundaries of Australian viticulture, he sought out exceptional vineyard sites that could express both regional character and the individuality of the varieties planted there. This independent spirit laid the foundation for what would become one of Australia’s most respected family-owned wine companies.

With a thirst for alternative and emerging varieties, the aim has always been to produce wines that highlight the quality of premium South Australian fruit and allow the distinct characteristics of each vineyard site to shine through. Sustainability, site expression, and craftsmanship are at the core of every label.

In 2012 and 2014, Winestate Magazine named Wines by Geoff Hardy as its Australian Winery of the Year. Australia’s most prominent wine writer, James Halliday, has also rated Wines by Geoff Hardy as a 5 red star winery—a top rating awarded to only 10% of Australian producers.

 

1850

Thomas Hardy, Geoff's great-great-grandfather, leaves Devon, UK at the age of 20 on the 'British Empire' bound for South Australia, which was settled only 14 years earlier.

1853

Thomas Hardy purchases land on the banks of the River Torrens at Thebarton, and begins planting grape vines. He calls the property Bankside.

1894

Thomas Hardy, now widely regarded as the father of wine in South Australia, laid the foundations for a thriving wine industry. By 1894, his company, Thomas Hardy & Sons, had grown to become the largest wine producer in Australia, setting new benchmarks for scale, innovation, and quality.

1980

In 1980, during the uncertainty of South Australia's Vine Pull Scheme, Geoff Hardy and his wife Fiona took a bold step by purchasing a vineyard in McLaren Vale. Fiona bankrolled the venture, backing Geoff’s vision, and together with co-owner Ian Leask, they laid the foundations for a new chapter in the Hardy winemaking story.

1986

Geoff and Fiona purchased a former dairy farm at Kuitpo in the southern Adelaide Hills, a region not yet known for viticulture at the time. Determined to realise his vision for premium cool-climate wines, Geoff planted every vine on the property by hand, transforming the land from pasture to vineyard. The site would go on to become known as K1, named for being the first commercial vineyard in the Kuitpo region. Adding to its rich history, the property was once owned by the famed Antarctic explorer Sir Douglas Mawson.

1990/1992

In 1990, Geoff was awarded South Australian Vineyard of the Year, recognising the innovation and dedication behind his newly established K1 vineyard. Just two years later, the first wine from the site was released—the 1990 Geoff Hardy Kuitpo Shiraz—marking the beginning of a new era for cool-climate winemaking in the region.

1995

The K1 Vineyard Shiraz made history by winning the inaugural Great Australian Shiraz Challenge, a prestigious national competition celebrating the best examples of Australia’s iconic varietal. Remarkably, it remains one of only two Adelaide Hills Shiraz to have ever claimed the top title—standing out against entries from more well-known Shiraz regions like the Barossa and McLaren Vale. This accolade cemented K1’s reputation for producing world-class Shiraz and highlighted the immense potential of cool-climate sites like Kuitpo.

2005

Geoff Hardy was named the inaugural Viticulturist of the Year by Australian Wine Selector magazine, a recognition of his pioneering approach to vineyard management and his long-standing commitment to innovation and sustainability in Australian viticulture.

2012

Wines by Geoff Hardy was named Winestate Magazine’s Australian Company of the Year, a testament to the winery’s consistent quality and innovation across its portfolio. In the same year, winemaker Shane Harris received the prestigious title of Australian Winemaker of the Year, recognising his exceptional craftsmanship and contribution to the success of the brand.

2014

Wines by Geoff Hardy was once again named Winestate Magazine’s Australian Wine Company of the Year, reaffirming its reputation for excellence and consistency across a diverse and award-winning range of wines.

2018

Winemaker Shane Harris was once again honoured as Australian Winemaker of the Year, highlighting his ongoing pursuit of excellence and innovation in the cellar. In the same year, Wines by Geoff Hardy was ranked among the Top 5 wineries at Winestate Magazine’s Wine of the Year Awards, further solidifying its place as one of Australia's leading wine producers.

2020

Winemaker Shane Harris achieved an extraordinary milestone by winning his third Australian Winemaker of the Year title, awarded by Winestate Magazine. This rare honour reflects his consistent excellence, innovation, and leadership in crafting some of the country’s most acclaimed wines.

2026

Wines by Geoff Hardy celebrates 40 years of the Kuitpo Vineyard, a site that has grown from a former dairy farm into the heart of the acclaimed K1 range. Over four decades, the vineyard has produced award-winning wines recognised with national trophies and international acclaim, reflecting the passion, innovation, and dedication behind every vintage.