Pikes: A Family Legacy of Handcrafted Beverages Since 1886
The story of Pikes is more than just wine. It is a story of family, tradition, and a passion for handcrafted beverages that endures for more than 140 years. From humble beginnings in the Adelaide Hills to becoming one of South Australia’s most celebrated producers, the Pikes brand embodies a unique blend of heritage, innovation, and dedication.
FROM DORSET TO THE ADELAIDE HILLS: THE PIKE FAMILY BEGINS
The Pike family’s brewing story began in South Australia in the late 1800s, following Henry Pike’s emigration from Dorset, England, in 1878. After settling in the Adelaide Hills, Henry worked as a carpenter, but his true passion lay in brewing — a skill he had learned from his mother.
He soon found work at Johnstons Brewery in Oakbank while also producing ales under his own name. His brews quickly gained a loyal following, and in 1885 he formally established H. Pike & Son, with construction of the Dorset Brewery beginning the following year.
The English pike fish, inspired by Henry’s childhood in Dorset, became the logo on his first products and remains on all Pikes labels today.
Over the next four decades, successive generations of the Pike family continued Henry’s brewing legacy in the Adelaide Hills.
ADVERSITY AND ADAPTATION
The outbreak of World War II and a wild yeast infection in the brewery halted Pikes’ beer production in the early 1940s. To survive, the company diversified into soft drinks and cordials while also operating a chain of hotels in the city and the Adelaide Hills.
Despite these challenges, the Pike family continued to nurture its passion for beverages. Edgar Walter Pike, Henry’s great-grandson, pursued a career in viticulture, eventually managing large vineyards and establishing himself as a respected figure in the Australian wine industry.
The original Pikes beverage and hotel business eventually ceased operations in the mid-1960s, marking the end of an era.
THE DAWN OF PIKES WINES
In 1984, the Pike family purchased 27 hectares in the Polish Hill River sub-region of the Clare Valley. Andrew Pike, together with his wife Cathy, his brother Neil, and their parents Edgar and Merle, pooled resources to establish Pikes Wines Polish Hill River Estate in 1985. That same year, the first vintage of Riesling was released, and the estate opened its cellar door.
The early years focused on developing the estate vineyards and building a market for the wines. Production was initially outsourced to local wineries, but by 1988 the first stage of Pikes’ own winery was completed. Over time, the winery expanded to incorporate additional vineyards, varietals, and a fully integrated production facility under one roof.
In 1992, a new cellar door was created from an 1860s shearing shed, offering visitors a blend of history, hospitality, and wine tasting. Today, the Polish Hill River Estate spans around 100 hectares and grows 20 different grape varieties.
A RETURN TO BREWING: PIKES BEER REIMAGINED
The Pike family’s brewing roots were reignited in 1996 with the relaunch of Pikes Beer, fulfilling a dream that had spanned generations. Production was initially outsourced, but in 2014 a purpose-built craft brewery was established on the estate. It was led by Henry Pike’s great-great-great-grandson, Alister Pike, who now manages Pikes Beer Co.
A PREMIER TOURISM DESTINATION
In 2018, Pikes unveiled a new Tasting Room and SLATE Restaurant, welcoming guests into a state-of-the-art space designed to deliver a memorable Clare Valley experience.
The years that followed were marked by significant recognition. In 2020, SLATE Restaurant earned its first Chef Hat from the Australian Good Food Guide — an achievement it has maintained for seven consecutive years. Pikes was also awarded “Cellar Door with Best Food” in the Clare Valley by Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine, further cementing its reputation for excellence in both wine and hospitality.
FAMILY AT THE HEART OF THE BRAND
Family remains at the core of Pikes. Andrew and Cathy Pike build the foundations of what is now the modern Pikes Group, shaping the vision and direction of the business.
Today, the next generation carries that legacy forward. Jamie serves as Managing Director, guiding the business into its next chapter, while Alister leads Pikes Beer Co., continuing the family’s spirit of craftsmanship and innovation.
Although Andrew and Cathy step back from day-to-day operations in 2022, their influence remains ever-present. As custodians of the family legacy, they continue to provide guidance and ensure that the values and traditions of the Pike family remain at the heart of everything Pikes does.
A HERITAGE OF CRAFTSMANSHIP AND PASSION
From beer to soft drinks, cordials, wine, and now a fully integrated craft brewery and restaurant, Pikes stands as a testament to the Pike family’s enduring dedication to quality, innovation, and tradition.
It is a rare story of passion passed down through generations — a legacy in which every bottle and every glass reflect more than 140 years of family history.
Pikes is not simply a brand; it is a family tradition proudly carried forward, from Henry Pike’s first brews in the 19th century to today’s award-winning wines, beers, and unforgettable experiences at the Pikes’ Polish Hill River Estate.
