The Primo Estate story is an Australian journey with an Italian twist. The current range of Primo and JOSEPH wines and extra virgin olive oils is a reflection of this rich heritage. The story begins in 1953 when Primo Grilli arrived in Australia from the Le Marche region of Italy with a vision of growing grapes in this sun soaked new land. Primo planted the family's first vineyard in 1973, just north of Adelaide around a small township called Virginia. Primo's eldest son, Joseph, studied Oenology at South Australia's legendary Roseworthy College. Joe graduated Dux of his class in 1979 and his early experiments in double pruning, Amarone and botrytis infection in the 1980s helped to make Primo Estate one of the world's truly unique winemaking operations. The culmination of Joe's passion for winemaking is the JOSEPH range, which combines modern Australian know how with Joe's Italian winemaking heritage. As Joe says, "To introduce some rustic qualities from the old world and blend them with Australia's hi-tech skills; you can end up with some fabulous stuff, wines that are better than either of the extremes." Since the 80s, Primo Estate has grown with the planting of new vineyards in Clarendon and McLaren Vale. In 2006 Primo Estate opened a stunning new McLaren Vale cellar door and tasting room, combining ultra modern design with Italian style, just like their wines and olive oils. Joe has the final word, "I remain swept up by the romance of it all. More than anything else Primo Estate celebrates la dolce vita, Australian style!"