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Vintage at Magpie Springs: The Art, Science, and Celebration of Harvesting Wine Grapes

Writer: Avril ThomasAvril Thomas



Vintage at Magpie Springs: The Art, Science, and Celebration of Harvesting Wine Grapes

Vintage image Gallery and ArtPrints

Each of these images showcasing Vintage are available online via Redbubble on Clothing, Home Decor, Accessories, Wall Art, Stationery, Tech Accessories, and Pet Products. Choose the image you like, pick a product and discover size and price options. Redbubble will print and send your order. The images are all inspired by Vintage at Magpie Springs Vineyard in the Adelaide Hills Wine Region South Australia. Artist Avril Thomas.


Kaleidoscope pattern of clustered grapes creating a symmetrical design -A Grape Design..
Kaleidoscope pattern of clustered grapes creating a symmetrical design -A Grape Design..


Intricate symmetrical pattern using grape vine nets creates abstract composition -.Abstract Nets
Intricate symmetrical pattern using grape vine nets creates abstract composition -.Abstract Nets


A collection of old wine barrel staves displaying diverse textures and deep wood hues. Barrel Staves
A collection of old wine barrel staves displaying diverse textures and deep wood hues. Barrel Staves


Close-up view of a wine basket press, highlighting the weathered wooden slats and a robust red metal support beam, conveying the rustic charm of traditional winemaking craftsmanship. Basket Press
Close-up view of a wine basket press, highlighting the weathered wooden slats and a robust red metal support beam, conveying the rustic charm of traditional winemaking craftsmanship. Basket Press


Calm waters of the dam mirror the surrounding trees and clear sky, creating a serene reflection at Magpie Springs. Big Dam Reflections
Calm waters of the dam mirror the surrounding trees and clear sky, creating a serene reflection at Magpie Springs. Big Dam Reflections


A blue harvester unloads freshly picked grapes under a clear blue sky, marking the start of the vintage season. Blue Harvester
A blue harvester unloads freshly picked grapes under a clear blue sky, marking the start of the vintage season. Blue Harvester


Lush green vines under a clear blue sky capture the serene summer beauty of Magpie Springs vineyard. Blue Sky and Fluffy Clouds in the Vineyard
Lush green vines under a clear blue sky capture the serene summer beauty of Magpie Springs vineyard. Blue Sky and Fluffy Clouds in the Vineyard


Clusters of ripe Chardonnay grapes at harvest (vintage) showcasing their vibrant golden hues. Chardonnay
Clusters of ripe Chardonnay grapes at harvest (vintage) showcasing their vibrant golden hues. Chardonnay


Savoring the sweet bounty of vintage grapes in the vineyard. Delicious
Savoring the sweet bounty of vintage grapes in the vineyard. Delicious


Clusters of ripe Pinot Noir grapes hang amidst vibrant autumn leaves, ready for harvest. Fruity
Clusters of ripe Pinot Noir grapes hang amidst vibrant autumn leaves, ready for harvest. Fruity


A Sulphur Crested Cockatoo perched in the vineyard, clutching a cluster of grapes. Getting Cocky in the Vineyard
A Sulphur Crested Cockatoo perched in the vineyard, clutching a cluster of grapes. Getting Cocky in the Vineyard


A grape harvester illuminated by powerful lights prepares for night harvesting in a vineyard. Grape Harvester
A grape harvester illuminated by powerful lights prepares for night harvesting in a vineyard. Grape Harvester


Nighttime Grape Harvest: A grape harvester operates under bright lights, collecting grapes during the vintage season. Grape Harvester
Nighttime Grape Harvest: A grape harvester operates under bright lights, collecting grapes during the vintage season. Grape Harvester


A handheld refractometer lies on dry leaves, ready for use in measuring the sugar content of grapes.Grape Science
A handheld refractometer lies on dry leaves, ready for use in measuring the sugar content of grapes.Grape Science


Freshly harvested Pinot Noir grapes await processing, collected in a large white bucket adorned with a single grapevine leaf.  Grapes in a Bucket
Freshly harvested Pinot Noir grapes await processing, collected in a large white bucket adorned with a single grapevine leaf. Grapes in a Bucket


Symmetrical arrangement of Green Nally bins used for grape collection during the vintage season. Green Nally Bins at Vintage
Symmetrical arrangement of Green Nally bins used for grape collection during the vintage season. Green Nally Bins at Vintage


Clusters of ripe Pinot Noir grapes hang on the vine, ready for harvest at Magpie Springs.
Clusters of ripe Pinot Noir grapes hang on the vine, ready for harvest at Magpie Springs.

I Saw it on the Grape Vine


Intricate bird netting at Magpie Springs Vineyard forms a striking abstract pattern, blending functionality with art.
Intricate bird netting at Magpie Springs Vineyard forms a striking abstract pattern, blending functionality with art.

Knot in a Net


Pre-vintage view of Magpie Springs vineyard with protective nets covering the vines under a clear blue sky.
Pre-vintage view of Magpie Springs vineyard with protective nets covering the vines under a clear blue sky.

Magpie Springs pre Vintage


Newly harvested Merlot grapes at Magpie Springs, showcasing their rich color and lush green leaves.
Newly harvested Merlot grapes at Magpie Springs, showcasing their rich color and lush green leaves.

Merlot


Freshly harvested grapes fill a Nally bin, capturing the essence of the vintage season.
Freshly harvested grapes fill a Nally bin, capturing the essence of the vintage season.

Nally bin and Grapes


Semillon vines covered with protective netting at Magpie Springs vineyard, framed by rustic tree branches.
Semillon vines covered with protective netting at Magpie Springs vineyard, framed by rustic tree branches.

Nets on the Semillon


Vineyards at Magpie Springs, draped in protective netting, nestled amidst a scenic landscape of trees and rolling hills.
Vineyards at Magpie Springs, draped in protective netting, nestled amidst a scenic landscape of trees and rolling hills.

Nets on the Vines before Vintage


Delicate morning light filters through protective netting over Pinot Noir vines, safeguarding the grapes as they mature before vintage.
Delicate morning light filters through protective netting over Pinot Noir vines, safeguarding the grapes as they mature before vintage.

Netted Vine


A grape harvester works under bright lights during a nighttime vintage, capturing the essence of late-night vineyard activity.
A grape harvester works under bright lights during a nighttime vintage, capturing the essence of late-night vineyard activity.

Night Picking


Tractor and trailer ready for the harvest of Pinot Noir grapes in a lush vineyard setting.
Tractor and trailer ready for the harvest of Pinot Noir grapes in a lush vineyard setting.

Picking in the Pinot


Freshly harvested Pinot Noir grapes showcase their deep purple hues, ready for winemaking.
Freshly harvested Pinot Noir grapes showcase their deep purple hues, ready for winemaking.

Pinot Noir Grapes


Symmetrical design of freshly picked Merlot grapes highlighted by green leaves.
Symmetrical design of freshly picked Merlot grapes highlighted by green leaves.

Merlot Grapes and Vine Leaves


Intricate symmetrical pattern formed by freshly picked Merlot grape bunches, showcasing nature's artistry.
Intricate symmetrical pattern formed by freshly picked Merlot grape bunches, showcasing nature's artistry.

Merlot Grapes


Morning light filters through the trees, casting a warm glow over the vineyard at Magpie Springs.
Morning light filters through the trees, casting a warm glow over the vineyard at Magpie Springs.

Morning Light in the Vineyard


Workers maneuver large rolls of netting to protect the vineyard before the grape harvest.
Workers maneuver large rolls of netting to protect the vineyard before the grape harvest.

Moving the Nets


Vineyard posts and lush vines swathed in protective netting, basking in the gentle morning sunlight.
Vineyard posts and lush vines swathed in protective netting, basking in the gentle morning sunlight.

Shrouded Vines


Wine fun Caution: This avid wine lover might burst into wine talk at any moment!
Wine fun Caution: This avid wine lover might burst into wine talk at any moment!

Spontaneous Outbursts about Wine


Sulphur-crested cockatoo caught in the act with stolen vineyard grapes in its grasp.
Sulphur-crested cockatoo caught in the act with stolen vineyard grapes in its grasp.

Sprung


Abstract composition inspired by vineyard nets, showcasing intricate patterns and geometric symmetry.
Abstract composition inspired by vineyard nets, showcasing intricate patterns and geometric symmetry.

Square Nets in Black and White


Intricate geometric pattern created with freshly harvested Semillon grapes.
Intricate geometric pattern created with freshly harvested Semillon grapes.

Semillon Grapes


Newly harvested Semillon grapes form an intricate geometric pattern, showcasing the abundance and texture of the vineyard's yield.
Newly harvested Semillon grapes form an intricate geometric pattern, showcasing the abundance and texture of the vineyard's yield.

Semillon Grape Design


Geometric pattern featuring freshly picked Shiraz grape bunches, showcasing their rich hues and natural beauty.
Geometric pattern featuring freshly picked Shiraz grape bunches, showcasing their rich hues and natural beauty.

Shiraz Grape Design


Vibrant hues of fermenting Shiraz grapes create a stunning display of color during the winemaking process.
Vibrant hues of fermenting Shiraz grapes create a stunning display of color during the winemaking process.

Shiraz Starting Ferment


Plump grapes hang amidst autumnal leaves, ready to be harvested for red wine production.
Plump grapes hang amidst autumnal leaves, ready to be harvested for red wine production.

Ready for Vintage


Glasses of red wine ready to enjoy at Magpie Springs, with a vibrant red sports car in the background.
Glasses of red wine ready to enjoy at Magpie Springs, with a vibrant red sports car in the background.

Red


A bountiful harvest of freshly picked Riesling grape bunches, showcasing their vibrant green hues and promise of a delightful vintage.
A bountiful harvest of freshly picked Riesling grape bunches, showcasing their vibrant green hues and promise of a delightful vintage.

Riesling


Symmetrical pattern of green grapes intricately arranged, creating a visually captivating design.
Symmetrical pattern of green grapes intricately arranged, creating a visually captivating design.

Semillon Grape Design


Intricate abstract pattern inspired by vineyard netting, showcasing symmetrical designs reminiscent of pre-vintage preparations.
Intricate abstract pattern inspired by vineyard netting, showcasing symmetrical designs reminiscent of pre-vintage preparations.

Vineyard net Abstract 2


Intricate abstract art piece emulating the texture and pattern of pre-vintage vineyard netting, showcasing a symmetrical design with a harmonious blend of earthy and organic tones.
Intricate abstract art piece emulating the texture and pattern of pre-vintage vineyard netting, showcasing a symmetrical design with a harmonious blend of earthy and organic tones.

Vineyard Net Abstract 3


Vineyard vines shielded by protective bird netting, stretching across neatly organized rows.
Vineyard vines shielded by protective bird netting, stretching across neatly organized rows.

Vineyard Nets


Intricate pattern of bird protection netting covering the top of a vineyard post before the grape harvest.
Intricate pattern of bird protection netting covering the top of a vineyard post before the grape harvest.

Vineyard Posts With Nets


Harvesting at a picturesque vineyard, workers are seen carefully picking grapes beneath the sunlit canopy of vines and trees.
Harvesting at a picturesque vineyard, workers are seen carefully picking grapes beneath the sunlit canopy of vines and trees.

Vertical Vines


Intricate abstract design created from an aerial photo of Magpie Springs Vineyard, showcasing symmetrical patterns and vibrant green hues.
Intricate abstract design created from an aerial photo of Magpie Springs Vineyard, showcasing symmetrical patterns and vibrant green hues.

Vine Rows


Vibrant rows of grapevines stretch into the distance at Magpie Springs vineyard, framed by lush greenery and a partially cloudy sky.
Vibrant rows of grapevines stretch into the distance at Magpie Springs vineyard, framed by lush greenery and a partially cloudy sky.

Vineyard


Abstract Design Inspired by Vintage Vineyard Bird Netting, Showcasing Intricate Symmetry and Earthy Tones.
Abstract Design Inspired by Vintage Vineyard Bird Netting, Showcasing Intricate Symmetry and Earthy Tones.

Vineyard Net Abstract 1


Summer landscape overlooking the dam at Magpie Springs, with previntage-netted vines visible on the left amidst the serene, sunlit scenery.
Summer landscape overlooking the dam at Magpie Springs, with previntage-netted vines visible on the left amidst the serene, sunlit scenery.

Summer by the Dam


Semillon vines shielded with netting in the autumn landscape at Magpie Springs, reflected in the serene waters of the nearby dam.
Semillon vines shielded with netting in the autumn landscape at Magpie Springs, reflected in the serene waters of the nearby dam.

The Lilly Pond and Vines


Workers remove protective nets from grapevines, preparing the vineyard for the upcoming harvest season.
Workers remove protective nets from grapevines, preparing the vineyard for the upcoming harvest season.

The Nets come Off


Playful wine-themed  design with a cheeky message: "Every once in a while something amazing comes into your life and… HERE I AM with WINE. YOUR WELCOME."
Playful wine-themed design with a cheeky message: "Every once in a while something amazing comes into your life and… HERE I AM with WINE. YOUR WELCOME."

The Wine is Here


Artistic interpretation of wine barrel side with staves, showcasing a symmetrical and textured wooden pattern.
Artistic interpretation of wine barrel side with staves, showcasing a symmetrical and textured wooden pattern.

Wine Barrel with Staves


Wooden wine barrels at Magpie Springs set against a rustic building and surrounded by lush greenery.
Wooden wine barrels at Magpie Springs set against a rustic building and surrounded by lush greenery.

Wine barrels at Magpie Springs


Gleaming reflections on the textured side of a wine vat create an abstract pattern in black and white.
Gleaming reflections on the textured side of a wine vat create an abstract pattern in black and white.

Wine Vat




A vibrant wine barrel featuring a striking blue and silver design, showcasing its unique artistic appeal.
A vibrant wine barrel featuring a striking blue and silver design, showcasing its unique artistic appeal.

Blue and Silver Barrel


Removing bird netting from the vineyard in preparation for the vintage harvest, unveiling rows of grapevines ready for picking.
Removing bird netting from the vineyard in preparation for the vintage harvest, unveiling rows of grapevines ready for picking.

Vintage Nets Off


Colorful secateurs lined up for grape-picking during the vintage season.
Colorful secateurs lined up for grape-picking during the vintage season.

Vintage Grape Snips


A close-up, horizontal view of a traditional wine barrel, showcasing its rich wood grain and metallic bands.
A close-up, horizontal view of a traditional wine barrel, showcasing its rich wood grain and metallic bands.

Wine Barrel


Serene landscape of Magpie Springs vineyard, showcasing lush greenery and tranquil waters just before the vintage season begins.
Serene landscape of Magpie Springs vineyard, showcasing lush greenery and tranquil waters just before the vintage season begins.

Vineyard View


A grape harvester operates under bright lights during a nighttime vintage, with workers supervising the process in the vineyard.
A grape harvester operates under bright lights during a nighttime vintage, with workers supervising the process in the vineyard.

Vintage Night


Freshly harvested grapes cascade into a nally bin mounted on a trailer behind a tractor during vintage.
Freshly harvested grapes cascade into a nally bin mounted on a trailer behind a tractor during vintage.

Vintage Grapes


A roll of bird protective netting sits ready beside rows of lush grapevines in a serene vineyard setting.
A roll of bird protective netting sits ready beside rows of lush grapevines in a serene vineyard setting.

Vintage Net



Vintage is the most crucial time of year for any vineyard. It’s the moment when years of care, patience, and expertise culminate in the harvest of perfectly ripened grapes, ready to be transformed into wine. At Magpie Springs, nestled in the southernmost part of the Adelaide Hills Wine Region, in South Australia, Vintage is typically in March. Due to our vineyard’s altitude, we are typically a month behind neighbouring wine regions, making our harvest a little later—but well worth the wait. What Is Vintage in Winemaking?

In the wine industry, vintage refers to the year the grapes were harvested to make a particular bottle of wine. You’ll find this date on every bottle of wine. A marker of the growing conditions, climate, and meticulous care that shaped that wine.

The decision to harvest isn’t based on a fixed calendar date but rather on the sugar content of the grapes, measured in Baumé. This critical reading determines when the fruit is at its peak for winemaking. Too early, and the grapes lack the necessary sugars and flavours; too late, and they risk overripening. Each variety ripens at a different pace, meaning multiple harvests take place over the season.

At Magpie Springs, we grow seven varietals: 🍇 Pinot Noir – A delicate red with bright fruit flavours.

🍇 Semillon – A crisp, citrusy white with aging potential.

🍇 Shiraz – A bold, full-bodied red with spice and depth.

🍇 Merlot – A smooth, velvety red with soft tannins.

🍇 Riesling – A floral, aromatic white with zesty acidity.

🍇 Chardonnay – A classic white, versatile in style.

🍇 Sauvignon Blanc – A fresh, vibrant white with tropical notes.

Each grape variety contributes to the character of our boutique wines—available only onsite at Magpie Springs. We make small batch exclusive boutique wines and sell our fruit to other winemakers.


Who Will Love These Art Prints?

This post and images is for anyone passionate about wine, whether you’re:


✔️ A wine lover who enjoys a vineyard experience and wants to dress the part for a wine tasting day.


✔️ A wine industry professional involved in winemaking or viticulture.


✔️ Someone learning about winemaking and looking to understand vintage better.


✔️ A business owner with accommodation in a wine region, catering to guests interested in vineyard experiences.✔️ A wine aficionado looking for art, decor, or accessories inspired by the winemaking process.

✔️ Get the wine conversation started faster:- wear, carry or decorate with a wine design.



Documenting Vintage Through Art & Photography

As an Adelaide artist, Avril Thomas been documenting images of vintage and winemaking at Magpie Springs since 2013. These images capture the beauty, hard work, and passion that go into every harvest. Now, many of these photographs are available as prints via Redbubble, a global print-on-demand platform.

You can find these images on:

🖼️ Wall art & home decor – Perfect for a home bar or cellar.

👕 Clothing & accessories – Celebrate wine culture in style.

🐶 Pet products – Because even wine lovers’ pets deserve something special!

🍷 Unique gifts – Ideal for wine enthusiasts, sommeliers, and collectors.


While we love welcoming visitors to taste and buy our boutique wines ONLY available onsite, Redbubble allows people worldwide to enjoy a piece of Magpie Springs through photography and artwork. (we sell Magpie Springs grapes to 4 different winemakers too.)

Join Us for Vintage

As we gear up for another vintage, there’s an undeniable sense of excitement in the air. The days ahead will be filled with early mornings, long hours, and the rewarding work of bringing in the harvest. Whether you visit us in person or explore our Redbubble store.


Find more Magpie Springs inspired art on products here: [Magpie Springs Redbubble Store Images] Over 500 designs of life and findings in the Fleurieu Peninsula on this Adelaide Hills Wine Region vineyard.

🍷 Cheers to another vintage at Magpie Springs! 🍷

 
 
 

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