The 33-room resort will be spread across 10 separate buildings among vineyards between the existing Wirra Wirra winery and the heritage property that once belonged to founder Robert Wigley, which will be transformed into a Bridal Suite.
Guest facilities will include a swimming pool – set within a reflection pool – as well as a function hall and wellness centre.
Sydney and Adelaide-based developer Greaton has lodged the application with the City of Onkaparinga and has appointed Bangkok/Singapore-based luxury resort architects, Blink Design Group.
Blink’s portfolio of premier resorts includes the Fairmont Sanur Beach Bali, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, the Six Senses Uluwatu – all in Bali – the Ritz-Carlton, Juizhaihou in Sichuan China and the Viceroy Princes’ Islands Istanbul in Turkey.
Greaton Managing Director Nicho Teng said the project would bring an unsurpassed level of luxury to the region and be Blink’s first Australian project
“The Wirra Wirra resort will be like nothing else in South Australia. We are proud to bring the expertise of an internationally-acclaimed architectural firm that specialises in luxury accommodation to this location,” he said.
“South Australia, and particularly the McLaren Vale region, well and truly deserves a high-end resort like this. We have no doubt it will attract more well-heeled tourists to the area which will directly increase local tourism revenue.
The McLaren Vale region 40km south of Adelaide is home to more than 80 wineries and is known for its premium Shiraz and Grenache.
It is Australia’s fifth largest wine region by value and home to several world-renowned brands including Hardys, Wirra Wirra and d’Arenberg. Wirra Wirra is one of the region’s largest largest producers and exports wine to more than 20 countries.
