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The Red Mud Story

Richard and Margaret Dolan’s vineyards stretch inland above the spectacular red cliffs on the River Murray near Renmark in South Australia. The rich, red limestone soils produce some of the highest quality grapes in the region. Red Mud is the name the Aborigines, who roamed the area for thousands of years, gave to the big bend in the river where Renmark was established. Our Nelwood Wines label is an interpretation of traditional Aboriginal rock art that is not only decorative but a journey in time – a pictorial record of the longest surviving culture on Earth.

The Hardy Wine Company recognised the special qualities of the fruit from the ancient red soils of the Nelwood vineyards when in 2002, they named Richard as the company’s best Shiraz grower in the region. That honour prompted Richard and Margaret to engage their good friend, Michael Farmillo, to make wine for them under their own label. The first vintage, a 2002 Red Mud Shiraz, was sold exclusively in the USA and now the range has been expanded with a 2005 Chardonnay and 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, released in the USA in July.