Richard and Marie Shaw planted 5 acres of vines in McLaren Vale in 1975. Since that time, their plantings have expanded to 155 acres in McLaren Vale and over 1000 in Currency Creek. The winery is managed by their three sons, Philip, Nathan and Mark. Ballast Stone Estate at Currency Creek, with extensive winemaking facilities and cellar door, was established in 2001. Ten years later, an additional cellar door was opened at Signal Point in the wharf precinct of Goolwa.

In 2001 the Shaw family also purchased the established Currency Creek Winery, which not only encompassed vineyards planted from 1969, but also restaurant/cellar door and accommodation facilities. In 2009, the restaurant complex and villas were sold; however the vineyards and wine brands have been retained.

The family sought to appoint a winemaker who shared both their passion and ethos for taking a ‘hands on’ approach to winemaking, with an understanding that the greatest wines begin in the vineyard. Their search ended with the appointment of well known veteran winemaker John Loxton.

Currency Creek is situated only 4 kilometres from the Southern Ocean and adjacent to Lake Alexandrina. This cool maritime climate promotes a prolonged ripening period, resulting in fruit with distinct lifted varietal definition and elegant complexity. Having the versatility of choosing parcels of the best fruit from both this region and McLaren Vale, ensures John can consistently produce the outstanding quality that consumers have come to expect from our brands.

Shaw Family Vintners produce wine under seven different labels, namely Steeple Jack, Stonemason, Ballast Stone Estate, Single Vineyard range, Emetior, RMS and the Icon range. These wines are distributed throughout Australia. They also grace tables in the USA, England, Canada, China, New Zealand and Fiji.

Currency Creek Estate has three ranges – their premium Estate label, The Creek Station range and Winery Road.