Clare Valley, Australia
Jim Barry Wines
No name is more synonymous with the Clare Valley wine region than Jim Barry. The eponymous estate produces exceptional wines such The Armagh and The McRae Wood, which are available in over 25 countries and enjoy a considerable following.
Jim Barry had a major hand in the development of Australian wine. It was thanks to his drive and community spirit that the Clare Valley is now known as one of Australia’s premier wine regions. Jim himself was the first qualified winemaker in Clare. He and wife Nancy purchased their first vineyards on the region’s northern outskirts in 1959. Nancy as well as sons Peter, Mark and John were heavily involved in making the winery the successful company it is today.
A third-generation family winery
After 40 years at the helm of the winery, Peter Barry handed over operational management to the next generation in June 2025. Brothers Tom Barry (Director of Winemaking) and Sam Barry (Director of Sales), who have both been actively involved in the business for over 15 years, now lead the company together in a joint leadership role. They are supported by their sister Olivia Barry, who represents the family business as Brand Ambassador. The family now owns elefen vineyards in the Clare Valley (260 hectares) and two vineyards in Coonawarra (35 hectares).
The Armagh – a flagship wine
Jim Barry’s flagship, The Armagh, is a remarkable wine that has quickly attained iconic status. Instead of chasing quantity, the estate makes a virtue of the naturally low-yielding old vines from which the wine is sourced. The Armagh is only produced in good vintages.
“I first met Tim Abegg in the early 1990s and set up a relationship with Boucherville to import Jim Barry wines to Europe. Boucherville remain our oldest export partner in the world and continue to be a key partner for us in Europe.”
Peter Barry
