History and Origin

The Wirra Wirra Cellars were built by Robert Strangways Wigley. One of McLaren Vale's all time characters, he began building at the turn of the century using the Dr. A.C. Kelly plans of a split-level design that his friend Alec Johnston has used to build his Pirramimma winery. "Wirra Wirra" is an aboriginal name meaning "amongst the gums".

One of the picturesque features of the estate is the quaint-looking pug cottage, with its thatch roof, which was built over 50 years ago. It stands under the shadow of a noble-looking gum tree, and is one of the few remaining dwellings of the fast demising pioneers. Mr. Wigley believes in hard work, but on Saturday afternoons his old love, cricket - he was a South Australian eleven - returns to him, and he plays the game for all it is worth.

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