Our Story
HISTORY OF MECKLEN
The subregion of the Barossa Valley now known as Gomersal was originally known as Neu Mecklenburg when established in the mid-19th century as a farming community. Neu Mecklenburg was named after the Mecklenburg region of Germany where the German settlers originally came from. Today this area of the Barossa is known as Gomersal where our main Shiraz vineyard is located. To honour the history of this area we have named our range of wines “Mecklen”
VINEYARD & ‘TERRIOR’
The Hickin family is the custodian of two vineyards in the Barossa Valley, one being in the subregion of Gomersal and the other in Cockatoo Valley. Both vineyard sites are grown to grown to respect terroir and bring out the best regional/varietal typicity of each site
The Gomersal vineyard is currently planted to Shiraz with a plan to add Grenache and Mourvèdre to the property. The family vineyard was established 22 years ago
The Cockatoo Valley vineyard is a small vineyard planted to dry grown Grenache and is over 100 years old. It has an ideal altitude of 250 metres and Eastern facing which gives a cool aspect in the afternoon during Summer.
With over 45 vintages under his belt, Bernard has considerable winemaking experience as well as a love and understanding of the Mecklen vineyards. A number of years of wine judging have tuned Bernard’s palate to ensure ideal wine characteristics of quality, style and varietal expression.
BERNARD HICKIN
With a unique winemaking perspective, Mark has a diverse range of experience both domestically and internationally having undertaken vintages in the Barossa, Stathbogie Ranges, Hunter Valley, Burgundy and British Columbia. The Mecklen Wines style reflects Mark’s story and passion to produce exceptional wines with a focus on fresh, varietal expression.
MARK HICKIN
Initially specialising in Geophysics-Geology and Mechanical Engineering, John adds unique perspective and expertise in land geology/soils as well as mechanics which is important with plant and machinery in our vineyards.