What are old vines (and why do they matter)?

You’ve probably seen the words “old vines” on a wine label. Sometimes in English, sometimes in French (vieilles vignes), and sometimes just implied by the prestige of a wine. But what does it actually mean? And more importantly — does old vine wine really taste better?

Let’s break it down.

 

First things first: what counts as “old”?

Here’s the catch — there’s no legal definition. Unlike terms such as “organic” or “Grand Cru,” old vines is subjective.

• In Australia, many producers call vines 35+ years old “old.”
• In France, you’ll see vieilles vignes on vines as young as 25–30 years.
• In Spain, viñas viejas often means 50+ years.

Globally, most people agree: once a vine hits 30–40 years, it’s moving into old vine territory. Beyond 70–100 years, we start talking about ancient vines.

 

Why vine age matters

So why does it matter if a vine is 5 years old or 50? It all comes down to physiology.

• Lower yields: As vines age, they produce fewer grapes. Instead of pumping energy into lots of fruit, they concentrate resources into fewer bunches.
• Deeper roots: Older vines burrow deep into the soil, accessing water and minerals younger vines can’t reach. This helps them survive droughts and hot vintages, and gives a stronger expression of terroir.
• More consistency: Old vines are less sensitive to annual weather swings, leading to stable quality year after year.

The result: more concentrated flavours, balanced structure, and a stronger sense of place.

 

What does old vine wine taste like?

Old vine wines often show:

• Concentration – richer fruit flavours without being overripe.
• Complexity – layers of fruit, spice, savoury notes.
• Balance – acidity, tannins, and alcohol all in harmony.
• Terroir expression – more “earth” and “place” in the glass, not just fruit.

Think of it like an older person telling a story — fewer words, more depth.

 

Famous examples of old vines

• Barossa Valley, Australia – Home to some of the world’s oldest Shiraz, Grenache, and Mourvèdre vines, many planted in the mid-1800s. Some still produce today.
• Loire Valley, France – Chenin Blanc vines from the 1920s and 1930s that continue to make world-class wines.
• California, USA – Old vine Zinfandel, especially in Lodi, can be 100+ years old.
• Spain – Garnacha and Tempranillo from gnarled bush vines planted before WWII.

 

Old Vine Charters: preserving living history

In Australia, the Barossa established an Old Vine Charter in 2009 to help preserve its viticultural legacy. Some of these vines date back as far as 1843 — making them among the oldest continuously producing vines in the world.

The charter formalises vine age categories, so when you see them on a label, you know exactly what they mean:

• Old Vines — 35+ years
• Survivor Vines — 70+ years
• Centenarian Vines — 100+ years
• Ancestor Vines — 125+ years

It’s a reminder that these vineyards are more than just agriculture — they’re a cultural and historical treasure. Each harvest is another chapter in a story stretching back generations.

 

The investment angle

For collectors, old vine is more than a buzzword:

• Scarcity – Old vines eventually die. When they’re gone, they’re gone.
• Consistency – Vintages from old vines are less variable, giving investors confidence.
• Prestige – The term carries weight with critics, auction houses, and buyers.

💡 A good example: Australia’s Bass Phillip Premium Pinot Noir, made from vines planted in 1979, is now a Classified wine on Langton’s. The old vines are a key reason for its collectability.

 

The fine print

One thing to remember: just because a wine says old vines doesn’t guarantee quality. Vineyard management, terroir, and winemaking choices still matter. But when you combine old vines with a skilled producer, the results can be truly extraordinary.

 

Final sip

Old vines are living history in a bottle. They’ve survived decades — sometimes centuries — of changing weather, fashion, and farming. And while they may yield less fruit, what they do give us is concentrated, complex, and deeply expressive of place.

So next time you see vieilles vignes or old vine on a label, take note. It’s not just marketing — it could be a sign you’re about to taste something special.