Meet four new Barons of Barossa

The flamboyantly dressed members of the Barons of the Barossa welcomed four new members over the weekend.

At the same time as they celebrated their 50th birthday, the wine fraternity inducted four Barons at an event with a 1975 theme. Think a menu starring devilled eggs, prawn cocktails and vol au vents.

Amanda Mader, Darren Davis, Marie Clay and Ellie Neindorf Agnew were chosen by their peers in recognition of their considerable contributions to the Barossa.

“We are thrilled to honour these 4 new Barons, who have all contributed so much to the region," said Louisa Rose, Grand Master of the Barons.

"Their depth of passion for the Barossa across a range of roles - viticulture, winemaking, hospitality, food, agribusiness - brings a breath of fresh air to the Barons.

"Each has a deep love for Barossa and a strong commitment to its future.”

Amanda Mader is the Vine Scout, and is often found dissecting buds, advising on pruning or helping growers breathe new life into old vines. A former Barossa Viticulturist of the Year, she has patented an Australian-first ag tech device for measuring bunch weight in real time and is dedicated to help shape the future of Barossa viticulture.

Darren Davis has had a lifelong passion for the Barossa. In 2008 he opened Bar Barossa in Brisbane, making it the home away from home for Barossa winemakers. He continued the theme with his Barossa in Boardshorts event series and his Barossa Long Lunches.

A move to the Barossa to work for Wolf Blass in 2006 shaped Marie Clay’s winemaking path and today she is honoured to craft the storied Leo Buring rieslings. She was named Barossa Winemaker of the Year in 2024.

Ellie Neindorf Agnew has worked across the region’s food and wine scene with some of the Barossa’s most recognizable producers, was a graduate of the Barossa Young Ambassador program in 2017 and continued to work for the program for many years. In 2024, Ellie and her partner Owen Agnew became custodians of Gully Gardens in Angaston.