Horticulturist Mark and his wife Lisa purchased their McLaren Vale orchards in June 2008.

When Mark and Lisa buught the farm it was growing apples, pears, stone fruit and cherries. It also had Shiraz and Cabernet vines, most of which are 50 years old. 

The farm has a unique micro climate. Refreshing gully winds run along the hills in the summer and the maritime influence of the sea protects from damaging spring frosts.  The soil varies from deep sands over clay to shallow mineral soil to the south east.  This variation contributes to the amazing variety of end product they are able to make.

They now grow eight different varieties of apples and seven varieties of pears. They also grow cherries, avocados, table grapes (dried & fresh), sultanas, currants and asparagus.

Mark says, “Our goal is to provide great quality local produce for people who appreciate good food and care about locality”.

As well as producing their own apple and pear juice called ‘Liquid Gold’, they recently started manufacturing a traditional Apple Cider, made from their very own apples in McLaren Vale.

You will find the McCarthy Orchards stall outside the pavilion at the Adelaide Farmers’ Market every Sunday.