Pewsey Vale, South Australia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pewsey Vale South Australia
Pewsey Vale Location in South Australia
Population	79 (2016 census)
Postcode(s)	5351
LGA(s)	Barossa Council
State electorate(s)	Schubert
Federal Division(s)	Barker
Localities around Pewsey Vale: Rowland Flat Krondorf Altona, Lyndoch Pewsey Vale Flaxman Valley Williamstown Mount Crawford

Pewsey Vale is a small area, or locality, located east of the southern Barossa Valley in South Australia. It is part of the Eden Valley area, known for its vineyards.

This place was first set up as a large farm for sheep, called a sheep station, in the early days of the colony (when Australia was a British colony). It was started by a man named Joseph Gilbert.

History of Pewsey Vale

How Pewsey Vale Got Its Name

Joseph Gilbert named his sheep farm Pewsey Vale in 1839. He chose this name because it reminded him of the Vale of Pewsey in Wiltshire, England, which is where he was born.

The area was first going to be called Karrawatta. However, this name sounded too much like Tarrawatta, a nearby place. So, Gilbert decided to change it to Pewsey Vale.

Early Life and Buildings

Over many years, Joseph Gilbert did more than just raise sheep. He also started planting grapevines and making wine at Pewsey Vale. He owned other large farms in the colony too.

Gilbert was also involved in building the community. In 1861, he built a school and a small church, called a chapel, in Pewsey Vale. The local cemetery mainly contains graves of Gilbert and his family members.

Vineyards and Wine Production

The grapevines that Joseph Gilbert planted were removed after World War I. This was a big change for the area.

However, new vineyards were planted in the 1960s. This was done with the help of the Yalumba wine company, which is a well-known Australian wine producer. These new vineyards helped Pewsey Vale continue its tradition of winemaking.