The backbone for our Blood Knot Shiraz is Tom and Carolyn Demasi’s vineyard at Blewitt Springs. One of the most colourful characters in the Vale, Tom is miner turned chicken, beef and lamb farmer, but most importantly to Longline is his 2 hectare vineyard.

Tom grew up in Broken Hill and when he was 18 went underground mining silver, lead and zinc, a job that he continued for 28 years. Having decided that an agricultural pursuit was more to his liking, Tom and Carolyn packed their bags for McLaren Vale settling on a 20 hectare cattle property at Blewitt Springs. Their 20 year old Shiraz vineyard was planted by Tom and Carolyn themselves and apart from the odd squirt of water as young vines from the water cart they are dry grown. The vines thrive in the deep sands over clay and ironstone in one of the coolest parts of the Vale.

Tom’s Vineyard is a beauty and produces powerful yet restrained Shiraz with classic Blewitt Springs character. A vineyard where a vintage visit is guaranteed a number of classic stories and lines from  a great character. We feel lucky to play with their fruit each year.