About Us

History

The Tidswell family has had a long association with the alcoholic beverage industry in South Australia since the first of our descendants arrived in 1858. Owners of Adelaide hotels for over 60 years, the first licence was held by William Tidswell in Gilles Street at the 'Oddfellows Arms'.

The move into the wine industry occurred in 1994, when, after years of pastoral pursuits in the south-east of South Australia (now known as the Limestone Coast), a vineyard, which now covers 115 hectares, was planted on the family property. This magnificent 'Heathfield' property is the home of ‘Tidswell Wines'. It is located 4 kilometres west of Bool Lagoon, near Naracoorte in South Australia and we are proud to be the only wine company which grows and makes wine in this important environmental precinct. Blessed with beautiful lagoons and a spectacular back-drop of giant red gums, the property nests on a large unique ridge of ancient Mt Gambier limestone covered with terra rossa soils. It is these famous red soils and a predictable cool climate which makes it such an ideal place to grow grapes.

After a very successful vintage in 1998, our own label, 'Heathfield Ridge' was created, gaining instant success in the export markets of Canada and UK. In 2005, Ben and Andrea Tidswell became the sole proprietors and caretakers of the family business, ‘Heathfield Ridge Wines', and re-launched it as ‘Tidswell Wines', continuing to promote the existing three brands, ‘Jennifer', ‘Heathfield Ridge' and ‘Caves Rd'.

Neil Jones, our experienced viticulturist works closely with Ben to get it right in the vineyard so the winemaking can be kept simple. We believe sustainable environmental management to be critical for long term vine health and fruit quality, so biodynamic principles are applied in the vineyard wherever possible, 50 percent of which is entirely organically certified. The winemaking is overseen by Joanne Irvine, of Winewise consultants and Ben, who holds a post-graduate certificate in Oenology from University of Adelaide.

Ben and Andrea have a hands-on approach, taking complete responsibility for all aspects of the business from the vineyard to the winery, then marketing and selling the finished product. We are proud to be completely estate-grown and family owned.
Our philosophy is to make well-balanced, varietals of a consistent quality that enhance food enjoyment and express the unique cool, climate qualities of the vineyard!