ABOUT
GLEN EWIN ESTATE
A FAMILY LEGACY IN ADELAIDE HILLS EST. 1843.
Established in 1843, Glen Ewin Estate is a uniquely significant property in South Australia’s Adelaide hills. The estate abounds in heritage sandstone buildings in a breathtaking setting of manicured gardens, sweeping lawn, lakes and orchard surrounded by native woodland. Glen Ewin bore one of the state’s earliest vineyards and continued to grow in stature based on the fruit of the land it produced through the 1860s and beyond. The home of the iconic Jam Factory, the estate provided valuable employment to hundreds of South Australians with fruit growing, preserving and sandstone quarrying operations for over one hundred and eighty years. Glen Ewin Estate continues this legacy as a major contributor to South Australian industry today. The beautiful grounds and stately buildings are the scene of treasured occasions, weddings, events and visitors to the region.
Glen Ewin Estate is a family business with authentic values woven into the fabric of the place. As custodians of Glen Ewin, the Wauchope family have developed a relationship that is at one with the land. As they nurture the estate, it shares a heartbeat that is felt in the colour, texture and presence of nature. No matter where one stands, the stories of the estate are communicated through the buildings, landscape and people. Growing up on the estate, the family was surrounded by generosity and instilled with a love of food, wine and people. As you walk through the gates, you will feel the warmth of genuine hospitality. It is with this spirit that we welcome you to experience Glen Ewin Estate.
OVER 180 Years of Heritage & Creativity
OUR HISTORIC CHARM
1843
Visionary Scottish horticulturist and arborist, George McEwin established Glen Ewin Estate, planting beautiful gardens and extensive fruit orchards. 1845 Some of South Australia’s earliest vineyards comprising frontignac, black hambro and roussillon took root and wine production begins.
1859
The original, Georgian style Glen Ewin homestead was built from sandstone drawn from the property’s own quarry. The prized stone also graces Adelaide Town Hall, the General Post Office and St. Peter’s Cathedral.
1862
A pivotal year of surplus fruit saw George McEwin commence an iconic jam making enterprise that would grow to etch its place in South Australian households as Glen Ewin Jams.
1880
The Glen Ewin homestead was extended with the addition of another wing that would continue to grow into the architectural manor that graces today’s landscape. 1900 The turn of the century is a picture of prosperity as Glen Ewin employed a hundred-strong workforce synonymous with hand-picked fruits, preserves, tomato sauce, horse-drawn carts and a bustling jam factory.
1948
The post-war era gave birth to the Jam Factory Hill Climb, a thrilling motor race by the vintage sports car club of SA. Drivers raced against the clock up the steep driveway of the Estate from Houghton to Lower Hermitage Road, a route known as the Jam Factory Hill.
1962
Glen Ewin Estate celebrated 100 years of jam making, commemorated by a plaque unveiled by South Australian Premier, Sir Thomas Playford.
1991
Bill and Wendy Wauchope took the reins of Glen Ewin Estate, marking the beginning of a new era. The custodianship of the English adventurer, entrepreneur and ex-sesna pilot and Adelaide-born interior designer would breathe new life into the estate.
1992
The following years witnessed the revival of the property with the restoration of weathered buildings, bores and lakes, returning the orchards to plenty and a thriving family business. The old jam factory buildings were transformed into cellars and the wine storage business was born. 1993 The first wedding was held on the homestead lawns for a local Adelaide girl and Venetian boy. The cool couple drove up the grass isle on a classic Italian vespa motorbike. It was the first of countless memorable occasions that would be hosted on the breathtaking grounds of the estate.
1994
Willabrand Australia was established by Bill and Wendy’s son, Willa Wauchope. Together, father and son revived the Estate’s orchards, focusing on restoring fig trees that now number over fourteen thousand. The weddings and events business grew as the old baltic pine-lined Pulpshed, once a storage space for fruit pulp, now echoed with laughter and joy. 2000 The new millennium marked Willabrand's first foray into gourmet fig products that began with glace figs, chocolate coated figs and a variety of jams.
2008
Glen Ewin Estate was acclaim as the winner of best function centre at the South Australian restaurant and catering awards.
2009
The Gatehouse construction was completed with a stepped roof in homage to the original stable block. The purpose-built, modern building housed a new cellar door, event space and deck overlooking a picturesque pond.
2010
Eccentric custodian, Bill Wauchope’s mad-cap scheme to keep a herd of zebras in the top field gave way to a collection of zebras in all shapes and sizes. The original zebra, George, stands guard as gatekeeper of The Gatehouse.
2012
Glen Ewin celebrated 150 years of jam making at the iconic jam factory. 2015 Glen Ewin Estate became renowned as a multi-award-winning wedding and events venue throughout the 2010s and beyond. Among the accolades, were best venue and function centre and best wedding co-ordinator. 2016 Bill Wauchope designed the Wauchope clock, with it’s two-meter steel face, the clock rotates anticlockwise whilst the one large hand stands still. A testament to innovation, creativity and ancestral roots that saw Robert Wauchope, an English Royal Navy Captain invent the first Time-Ball in Portsmouth in 1829 that enabled tall ships in the Thames to set their marine chronometers.
2018
Pot and Still, a unique spirit company was formed by Willa Wauchope. The signature Fig Gin captures the flavour of the Etate orchards. The new chapter also saw fig picking become a raging success with visitors picking all 5 varieties over the harvest season.
2023
Glen Ewin Estate celebrated the grand culmination of 180 years. The final touches to the Wauchope clock were installed, an enduring symbol of Glen Ewin's resilience, evolution, and timeless charm, just like Bill and Wendy!
A letter from Glen EWIN ESTATE
Dearest visitor,
Thank you for your interest in Glen Ewin Estate. By choosing us for your wedding or event, you will become part of more than 180 years of South Australian history. Glen Ewin became well known throughout the length and breadth of the country, and internationally too, through the development of the jam-making enterprise which was started in 1863 by George McEwin.
The property was purchased by Bill & Wendy Wauchope in 1991. Glen Ewin was in a dilapidated state, and the family has guided its restoration into what the Estate is today. Now, it is one of South Australia’s premier wedding and event venues. Its heritage-listed buildings, and more than 12,000 fig trees on its 70 acres has brought the Estate back to life.
Our dedicated team will work with you to create a unique experience that reflects you, your vision, and your individuality for your celebration. On the day, let us pamper your guests with fine food and wines, allowing you to relax and celebrate with family and friends. Make everlasting memories in an environment where everywhere you look, there is something making you happy.
– The Wauchope Family and all the Team at Glen Ewin Estate
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING
FUN AND MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES,
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