History

Padthaway Estate is located in the heart of the Padthaway wine region of South Australia. This region takes its name from the estate which was settled by pioneers, Robert and Eliza Lawson in 1847. Upon taking up the property, Robert built Eliza a small 8 roomed white washed Georgian style stone cottage where they resided for 30 years, producing eight children.

The family became successful pastoralists and Padthaway became the principal grazing property in the district. Robert Lawson intended to build his family a majestic residence, reflecting the family's success. Unfortunately he never lived to fulfil his ambition, passing away unexpectedly in 1876.

In the 1880's, Eliza Lawson, in her late 50's, a widow and a strong practical-minded mother of her six surviving children, then built a fine 13 stand woolshed of local limestone, purchased more country and oversaw the completion of the 22 roomed new homestead. In the 1890's Padthaway was freeholded and over the next 80 years the family grew and various arms of the family went their own way. This led to the original estate being divided many times and to the resources of the estate being severely stretched.

The highs and lows of the wool industry and the Australian economy also took their toll on the Lawson family's resources. Land was sold as difficulties arose and from the late 1950's the Seppelt and Hardy families started purchasing land in the district for viticulture and the township of Padthaway was gazetted.

The district is now a thriving premium South Australian viticultural district with approximately 3,300 hectares under vines. Southcorp, BRL Hardy, Orlando Wyndham and Beringer Blass - the big four of the Australian wine industry all have substantial holdings and infrastructure in the district on land once farmed by the Lawsons.

Padthaway Estate, however, remains the district's icon.