Our Story
Six generations have nurtured some of the most historic vineyards in Australia.
IMAGHE CAPTION: Six generations have nurtured some of the most historic vineyards in Australia.
Our History
Six generations have nurtured some of the most historic vineyards in Australia.
In 1839 William Formby arrived in Australia from the United Kingdom and it was in 1882, after four decades of pioneering South Australia, he purchased the now historic Metala estate.
In 1891 William and his son, Arthur, planted 21 rows of Shiraz and 14 rows of, what are now the oldest family-owned Cabernet Sauvignon vines in the world. In 1894 a further 5.4 acres of Shiraz were planted.
After almost five decades of making Metala wine in a purpose-built winery on the estate, the winemaking was transferred to Arthur’s Brother-in-Law, at Stonyfell Cellars. In 1962 Metala Shiraz Cabernet 1961 won the most coveted Australian wine accolade, the inaugural Jimmy Watson Trophy, becoming one of the most recognisable wines in the country. The wines continued to be made here until management shifted to various holdings beginning with Dalgety Wine Estate in the early 1970’s.
In 1981, 5th Generation Guy Adams took over the management of the mixed farm estate. With a sincere appreciation and respect for viticulture and the family legacy, Guy, together with his wife Liz, began a 20-year-long battle to return Metala to its original home. In 2022 the dream became a reality and Metala came home to Langhorne Creek and the family who planted and have nurtured the vines for more than 130 years.
In 1839 William Formby arrived in Australia from the United Kingdom and it was in 1882, after four decades of pioneering South Australia, he purchased the now historic Metala estate.
In 1891 William and his son, Arthur, planted 21 rows of Shiraz and 14 rows of, what are now the oldest family-owned Cabernet Sauvignon vines in the world. In 1894 a further 5.4 acres of Shiraz were planted.
After almost five decades of making Metala wine in a purpose-built winery on the estate, the winemaking was transferred to Arthur’s Brother-in-Law, at Stonyfell Cellars. In 1962 Metala Shiraz Cabernet 1961 won the most coveted Australian wine accolade, the inaugural Jimmy Watson Trophy, becoming one of the most recognisable wines in the country. The wines continued to be made here until management shifted to various holdings beginning with Dalgety Wine Estate in the early 1970’s.
In 1981, 5th Generation Guy Adams took over the management of the mixed farm estate. With a sincere appreciation and respect for viticulture and the family legacy, Guy, together with his wife Liz, began a 20-year-long battle to return Metala to its original home. In 2022 the dream became a reality and Metala came home to Langhorne Creek and the family who planted and have nurtured the vines for more than 130 years.
A LEGACY
Guy Adams has passionately carried on the legacy of wine making from generation to generation.
Semper Fidelis
"Semper Fidelis" is a carefully crafted blend of the original Shiraz and Cabernet plantings. Made with the passion and tradition of the Adam's family, this wine reflects the quality and care of their old, respected vineyards.
The Adams Family
Our family
Nurturing some of Australia's oldest vines requires a deep love for the land, a trait ingrained in the Adam's family. For six generations, they've embraced a regenerative farming philosophy across their mixed estate, including broadacre and livestock farming.
The Metala vineyard's story began in 1891 when Guy’s great-great-grandfather arrived from the United Kingdom. Together with his son Arthur, they planted the first Shiraz and Cabernet vines. Today, the original 14 rows of Cabernet Sauvignon, planted in 1891, stand as the world's oldest family-owned Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards.
Over its 130-year history, the vineyard has expanded to over 200 hectares under vine, primarily featuring Langhorne Creek’s celebrated Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. This legacy of growth and tradition underscores the Metala family's unwavering commitment to their land and heritage
The Metala vineyard's story began in 1891 when Guy’s great-great-grandfather arrived from the United Kingdom. Together with his son Arthur, they planted the first Shiraz and Cabernet vines. Today, the original 14 rows of Cabernet Sauvignon, planted in 1891, stand as the world's oldest family-owned Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards.
Over its 130-year history, the vineyard has expanded to over 200 hectares under vine, primarily featuring Langhorne Creek’s celebrated Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. This legacy of growth and tradition underscores the Metala family's unwavering commitment to their land and heritage
‘In 1891 William and his son, Arthur, planted 21 rows of Shiraz and 14 rows of, what are now the oldest family-owned Cabernet Sauvignon vines in the world. In 1894 a further 5.4 acres of Shiraz were planted.’
six generations
Metala wines founder, William Formby, arrived in South Australia from the United Kingdom in 1839. In 1882 purchased the now historic Metala in Langhorne Creek and in 1891 planted the first Shiraz and, what are now the oldest family-owned Cabernet Sauvignon vines in the world, on the estate.
After winning the inaugural Jimmy Watson Trophy in 1962 Metala grew in popularity and from the late 1970’s was under the ownership of various holdings. After a twenty-year-long battle, in 2022 fifth generation, Guy Adams returned Metala to Langhorne Creek and the family legacy.
After winning the inaugural Jimmy Watson Trophy in 1962 Metala grew in popularity and from the late 1970’s was under the ownership of various holdings. After a twenty-year-long battle, in 2022 fifth generation, Guy Adams returned Metala to Langhorne Creek and the family legacy.
WINE CLUB
Join our Wine Club ensures that you receive a priority allocation of your preferred Metala wines each year.