1860
The original estate was purchased by John Hugo’s maternal great grandfather, George Sauerbier (1860-1936)
EARLY 1900’s
The family first farmed the land in the early 1900’s. Previously the land was home to a Southdown sheep stud plus dairy cattle. Almonds, tomatoes and grapes to make wine for personal consumption, were also made on the property
1951
John’s parents, Colin and Gwendoline Hugo (nee Sauerbier) made a home on the property where the original dry grown Grenache bush vines that are still used today, were planted by them, in 1951
1968
John from an early age worked with his father Colin in the vineyard and in 1968 he made the Hugo Vineyard his Career.
1979
John learnt to produce wine under the guidance of well known winemaker Wayne Thomas.
1982
John opened the cellar door in 1982 with the first wines being Shiraz and Port produced from the Hugo estate grown fruit.
1986
Brian Light – joined the Hugo Wines team as head winemaker.
1989 & 1991
Matt & Will Hugo were born and raised on the family vineyards.
1998
John & Liz Hugo purchased the adjoining land and expanded the vineyard significantly
1998
An architecturally designed cellar door was built on the family estate.
2007
The 2005 Shiraz won the trophy for ‘best shiraz’ at the Royal Melbourne Wine Show.
2011
The 2008 Shiraz won the trophy for the “best Value Dry Red Table Wine of Competition” at the 2011 Sydney International Wine Competition
2016
Renae Hirsch joined the Hugo Wines winemaking team.
2022
The Hugo Family still manage the 50 Acre Vineyard consisting of Mature plantings of Grenache, Shiraz & Cabernet along with more recent planting and grafting’s of Fiano, Tempranillo, Nero D’avola & Grenache Gris.
2024
Hugo Wines has accumulated over 40 Gold Medals and 9 Trophies
2024
Hugo Wines continues to be a family owned & operated McLaren Vale winery.
