Three minutes with Chalk Hill Wines managing director Tom Harvey

Aug 27, 2025, updated Aug 27, 2025
Chalk Hill Wines managing director Tom Harvey.
Chalk Hill Wines managing director Tom Harvey.

Chalk Hill Wines managing director and sixth-generation vigneron Tom Harvey chats with SALIFE about a special wine tasting experience that is designed to challenge the senses.

Ben It’s been five years since the launch of the Chalk Hill cellar door. Looking back, has it lived up to the dreams you had for it?

Tom We knew that combining premium wine, food, and gin would be a good idea, but only in our wildest dreams would we think it would turn us into McLaren Vale’s most-visited destination. We receive well over 100,000 visitors a year, so we’re either doing something right or people are really committed to quality day drinking.

Ben Tell me about The Sensory Odyssey experience at Chalk Hill Wines?

Tom We will take people through a conventional wine tasting and then re-taste the same wines with a range of different music to change their taste perception. It sounds entirely implausible, and every rational person is sceptical that their tastes are immune to being so easily manipulated – right up until they prove themselves wrong. It’s a lot of fun and even though it’s been scientifically proven and repeated, it is great watching people confront their irrational selves.

Ben Is there anything exciting you’re currently working on?

Tom I’ve hit that age where I care way too much about grass – or turf, as I’ve been told many times. I’m dealing with this mid-life crisis by building a lawned area with some of the best views in McLaren Vale to justify a fleet of autonomous mowers. It turns out that this obsession ties in nicely with something far more useful – it’s a new space for weddings and events where I’ll inevitably get schooled on my lawn terminology.

Chalk Hill Wines, Mclaren Vale.

Ben Tell me about your family history?

Tom My ancestor John Harvey left Scotland at 17 in 1839 and landed in Adelaide when it was a colony of just 6000 people. He farmed, bred horses, became a Member of Parliament, and eventually founded the town of Salisbury, naming it after his wife’s birthplace in England. And in his spare time, he was one of the first to plant grapes north of Adelaide. It’s interesting to think about how his life choices shaped the careers of people 186 years later.

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Ben You’ve been twice crowned a McLaren Vale Bushing Monarch – what has been the secret to Chalk Hill’s wine show success?

Tom There are 630 wines entered from over 100 wineries, so winning the best wine of the competition has got to include a little bit of luck. The other 99.9 per cent is thanks to Renae Hirsch – our fantastic winemaker. She just makes wines we all like drinking and makes all the hard work look effortless.

McLaren Vale’s Chalk Hill Wines.

Ben When we visit the cellar door, what are your tips for three wines must we try?

Tom First, I would recommend our 2022 Alpha Crucis Grenache. It’s won best Grenache at the Royal Adelaide Wine Show as well as the Canberra National Wine Show, so it’s the reigning champion as the best grenache in Australia. Then there’s the 2024 Diana Mary Rosé, which most importantly is named after my mum. It won the Best Rosé in McLaren Vale at the 2024 McLaren Vale Wine Show. Third is the 2022 Alpha Crucis Seaview Syrah – it just picked up 96 points from James Suckling – regarded as one of the most influential wine critics in the world, and the sort of wine that renders you silent while you struggle to keep up with all the flavours that unfold in the first sip. I think James knocking off four points from full marks was a bit harsh.

Ben Do you have a favourite?

Tom As for a favourite, that’s like picking a favourite family member, but I’d have to say the 2022 Alpha Crucis Grenache. Sorry Mum!

Ben What’s the best thing about owning a winery?

Tom Aside from the obvious perk of having a never-ending supply of emergency wine, our cellar door has become a favourite spot for a party. Some good friends have chosen to get married here as well, so it’s great having a deeper connection to such a special occasion.

 

This article first appeared in the June 2025 issue of SALIFE Magazine.

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