Wine tasting, a stroll and some hairy cows

There is more than just wine to enjoy at the Two Hands winery cellar door in the Barossa, local tourism folk report.

One of the newer experiences in South Australia's wine central is the Kraehe Nature Trail, promoted as a "serene, self-guided walking experience" in Marananga.

The "easy-going" trail starts at cellar door and winds along the Kraehe House Block vineyard, offering views of Seppeltsfield Road palms and the historic Marananga church, with opportunities to also engage with the resident Scottish Highland cattle.

Featuring informative signs on local history and sustainability, along with 250+ new native plants, the family-friendly trail is open during cellar door hours.

The cattle came about because Two Hands proprietor Michael Twelftree has always loved cows and when the opportunity came to have his own, he jumped at the chance.

⁠Brutus was a character in Twelftree's favourite childhood comic, Asterix, and is now the name of a bullish hairy critter.

Records show that Highland cattle are the oldest registered breed in the world and, interestingly, a group of Highland Cattle is not called a herd but a “fold”. The Two Hands fold are free to graze around their large acreage paddock living the high life.

See https://twohandswines.com/pages/brutus-family

Where to join Maggie Beer for a weekend of food and fun

Calling all fans of artisan food producer and cook Maggie Beer.

The kitchen veteran will host a weekend of gathering, cooking and feasting in the Barossa Valley later this month.

From May 22-24, guests at luxury The Louise retreat will share farmers market visits, cooking and hands-on food experiences with executive chef Sam Cooper and Beer in the region she calls home, while the Maggie Beer Foundation.

Maggie Beer’s Table for All will place her flavour-first philosophy at the centre of the experience, from a hosted welcome dinner at Appellation to a full day at the Maggie Beer Farm Shop and Eatery.

Guests will visit the Barossa Farmers Market, enjoy cooking demonstrations and shared lunches, and spend unhurried time in conversation with Beer, hearing stories from her early Pheasant Farm days to her current work as an advocate for better food in aged care.

‘We’re very proud to partner with Maggie Beer for the Table for All weekend, which brings together everything we love about the Barossa Valley: fabulous seasonal produce, generous hospitality and the simple joy of sitting around a table with like-minded fellow guests," says The Louise general manager Hannah McCormick.

"To be able to share this special weekend in the Barossa, and support our charity of choice, The Maggie Beer Foundation - helping fund vital work in improving food and dining in aged care through education and training - is incredibly meaningful for our team and our guests."

The experience can be extended with an optional cocktail masterclass at Barossa Gin Lab, created by Maggie’s daughter Elli Beer.

For more info check out thelouise.com.au.

New Barossa wine tasting experience unveiled

 

Want a little more than your average wine tasting experience?

St Hugo in the Barossa Valley has just introduced a new offering: From Vine to Vault.

This guided small-group tour, led by a knowledgeable wine host, meanders down the cork tree-lined driveway and through the historic grounds, including the original gravity-fed winery. 

The experience then continues at the St Hugo cellar door with the exclusive Ultimate Tasting.

This curated flight features "standout vintages paired with a thoughtfully prepared small-bite plate" designed to match each win.

The journey concludes in The Vault, where guests enjoy a rare and remarkable taste of history: a 100-year-old tawny, dating back to 1925.

The experience is available Friday-Monday at 10:30am for $115 per person and is part of St Hugo's Ultimate Winery Experiences offering.

See https://www.ultimatewineryexperiences.com.au/experiences/st-hugo-from-vine-to-vault/  

Famous wine family unveils new Barossa cellar door

 

The Burge family, famous names in the Barossa wine business, have opened a new cellar door showcasing wines made under their Corryton Burge label.


Located in Krondorf, it boasts a sun-drenched cellar door space offering a range of tasting experiences along with views of the estate's grenache bush vines and the valley floor.

The new site marks a homecoming for Corryton Burge owners the Burge family, consisting of parents Grant, Helen and children Trent, Amelia and Toby as it is located on a property they purchased back in 1978 just across the road from their family home.


“We are thrilled to be welcoming the next chapter of the Corryton Burge story at a space that is so special to us all as a family and is home to cherished memories of my childhood,” says Trent Burge.

The Burge family - which no longer owns the Grant Burge business - is moving from its current location at Underground Barossa.


Sixth-generation Barossans Trent, Amelia, and Toby and their parents are the driving forces behind Corryton Burge.


The new tasting facility offers a Discovery Tasting for $10pp, which showcases six wines across the Kith and Kin ranges, plus its inaugural Sparkling Collection which launched last year.


Guests can also choose to enjoy the Paired Tasting Experience ($20pp) which includes six wines from the Corryton Burge portfolio to taste alongside locally produced snacks.


Group bookings are also available with a dedicated private tasting room which holds up to 15 guests.




“We are thrilled to be welcoming the next chapter of the Corryton Burge story at a space that is so
special to us all as a family and is home to cherished memories of my childhood,” says Trent Burge.


“We want everyone who walks into the Corryton Burge cellar door to feel that instant warmth of our
Burge family hospitality and enjoy everything our space has to offer.”


For over 160 years, generations of the Burge family have worked to build one of the most
recognisable names in the wine industry.


What began as door-to-door fortified wine sales evolved over each generation to see the Burge family now own over 300 hectares of vineyard across the region.

The new Corryton Burge Cellar Door building was first renovated by Helen Burge in 2013-2014 but was then leased out for several years.


Now the building is back in the hands of the Burge family.


“I have worked in the wine industry for many years, but nothing has made me prouder than building
Corryton Burge, which encompasses the passion and dedication of the whole Burge family,” says
Grant Burge.


“To mark the next chapter in the Burge family winemaking legacy at a location that has played a role in our family upbringing just couldn’t be a better fit - it’s great to be home!”


The Corryton Burge portfolio spans red, white, and sparkling wines grown from sites in the Barossa
Valley, Eden Valley, Adelaide Hills, and Tasmania’s Derwent Valley.


“For as long as I can remember I’ve been amongst the vineyards in the Barossa, it’s a special place,
and every wine we craft here at Corryton Burge attempts to reflect that and share it with the
drinker,” says Trent Burge.


“We focus on showcasing only the best parcels of fruit from this exceptional winemaking region, to produce wines with a sense of place.”

The Corryton Burge Cellar Door is located at the corner of Krondorf and Lilyfarm Roads, Krondorf,
South Australia and is open daily from 10am to 5pm except Good Friday, Christmas Day and
Boxing Day.

See www.corrytonburge.com

Yelland & Papps celebrates 20 years bigly with a tribute to family

Barossa winemakers Susan and Michael Papps are celebrating 20 years of Yelland & Papps in style.

The pair is releasing a wine in two large formats in tribute to the local family growers that have been a part of their journey. David and Angela Materne, Pete and Sarah Sonntag, Kevin and Helen Schild and Bob and Sandy Modra, and themselves.

"What has become apparent in the last few years are the business relationships that can enable you to successfully grow," says Susan Papps (Yelland).

"Our Twenty Years Five Growers Barossa Valley Shiraz 2024 Limited Edition (Vale LKY & KLY) is a contribution of all five growers that at the time of vintage 2024 had been either from the start or have joined the train as we have travelled along on our journey.

"A blend of shiraz from sub-regions Marananga, Stonewell, Vine Vale, Dorrien and Greenock reflects the soils and grape growers that make up the beautiful Barossa Valley terroir."

She says Yelland & Papps wanted to "acknowledge this milestone for some time to try and reflect, capture and celebrate 20 years of our business and making wine in a turbulent, slightly fractured and vulnerable industry".

The release is tinged with sadness as Susan's brother Leith and father Kelwyn died within a fortnight of each other in 2024.

"When designing a label for this wine, at the forefront was honouring my father and his unwavering support of our business, over the past 20 years," Susan said.

"Although my father was not part of Yelland & Papps business when this was started in 2005 by Michael and myself, he was an intrinsic monetary part of helping us along the way to start and keep progressing forward.

"The most important part of the relationship was the interest and support and his listening ear to the woes and hardships, and although he never had a magic wand to erase these issues he had the advice and was able to relate to his prior farming business."

The label features the colour of her father's prized procession: a "sky mist blue" 1960 Ford Zephyr Ute.

The special release wine has been bottled under large format only: 239 1.5-litre magnums and 28 5-litre jeroboams at $129 and $399.

See yellandandpapps.com.

Old Bastard delivers Barossa power and precision

If you want a big, bold Barossa shiraz that is full of flavour and personality but also has balance, then Kaesler is a label to have on your radar.

Kaesler recently launched its new vintage icon portfolio, headed by the 2022 vintage of its flagship Old Bastard ($350), alongside the 2021 editions of its ‘Old Vine’ Shiraz and ‘Alte Reben’ Shiraz.

The new releases also include the 2021 ‘Age of Light’ Cabernet Sauvignon and ‘WOMS’ Shiraz Cabernet blend.

Chief winemaker Tim Dolan believes the consecutive vintages of 2020 and 2021 delivered terrific results for Barossa producers.

“This Old Bastard Shiraz is our flagship wine and is released as a four-year-old shiraz," Dolan says.

"The name is fitting, referring to a small number of old gnarly bush vines planted in 1893. These ‘old bastards’ flourished during the 2020 vintage, with dry and warm conditions throughout spring into summer, resulting in significantly reduced yields.

“We believe wine is made in the vineyard, and the mild conditions throughout the harvest period enabled a long, even ripening period. The resultant wine is deep and brooding, like an iron fist wrapped in a velvet glove.”

It is certainly a wine with immense power - and long-term cellaring potential.

For more immediate drinking pleasure, the Old Vine’Shiraz and Alte Reben Shiraz (both $110) are better prospects, but remain wines of concentration and palate weight.

The Kaesler family had a long history in the wine business with the Silesian migrants establishing their vineyards in the 1890s.

The family settled in Barossa in the 1840s and purchased 96 acres in 1891. By 1893, they had planted the entire acreage with shiraz, grenache and mataro vines with much of the fruit still sourced gnarly dry-grown vines.

“Our Icon wines are a true testament to the history, soil, and place of Barossa," says Dolan.

"Access to premium old vine material means we can produce bold estate wines representative of Barossa Valley. In fact, the intensity of the old vine shiraz inspired the production of the Old Bastard.

In 1999, agribusiness entrepreneur Ed Peter, winemaker Reid Bosward, and business partners purchased the property and immediately regenerated the old vines.

The Kaesler team, now led by general manager and viticulturist Nigel Van der Zande, view themselves as the custodians of the ancient vineyards.

“At Kaesler, we strive not only to maintain but rebuild the soils because we want to leave these precious old vines in better condition than we found them," says Van der Zande.

"It’s a process called regenerative farming, as it’s more than sustainability; it is a constantly evolving practice, so we are not just sustaining the environment, we are aiming to improve it.”

See https://kaesler.com.au/

Barossa icon to be the first for a new hotel brand

Ardour means with "great enthusiasm or passion".

Which means it is great name for a luxury hotel chain.

Salter Brothers, a group that owns hotels around Australia, will launch the first Ardour in the Barossa region of South Australia later this year.

Salter Brothers is described as "a global fund manager with a focus on specialist property, credit and private equity with group assets under management of over $3 billion".

It will debut its new global brand - to be known as Ardour Hotels and Estates - at its newly purchased historic South Australian property, Kingsford The Barossa, in the third quarter of 2024.

Announcing settlement of the acquisition Salter Brothers said Ardour’s brand story of ‘Celebrated Luxury” strongly aligns with the property, which will be known as Ardour Kingsford Barossa.

The luxury property dates back to 1856 and is under an hour from Adelaide Airport. It was previously owned by locals Stefan and Leanne Ahrens

Tash Tobias, CEO, Salter Brothers Hospitality, said: We're excited to be launching our first Ardour in an esteemed destination such as the Barossa, with a reputation for premium food and wine.

"For guests seeking a luxurious escape from the everyday, we'll be creating an iconic hospitality experience that brings together the best of the Barossa with the beautiful Australian backdrop and luxurious spaces available at Kingsford.

"Our team is looking forward to warmly welcoming guests and providing a rewarding and memorable experience.”

South Australian Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison, welcomed Salter Brothers Hospitality’s investment in the state.

“Situated in the world-renowned Barossa Valley wine region, this stunning historical property which is the iconic ‘Drover’s Run’ home from McLeod’s Daughters is an asset to the region,” Bettison said.

“I look forward to seeing Ardour Kingsford Barossa draw visitors to the region where tourism is currently worth $281 million to our state.”

Harvest Kitchen yields a gourmet bounty for Jacob's Creek

 

There is a gourmet surprise for visitors to the Jacob's Creek cellar door in the Barossa with the recent arrival of Harvest Kitchen. 

The popular Barossa business switched from its former location in nearby Vine Vale, where its operated at the Artisans of Barossa and then Calabria Family Wines tasting facility. 

It now has a new location and expanded menu at Jacob's Creek in Rowland Flat.

“We feel like we are fitting in so well here at our new Jacobs Creek Visitor Centre home," says co-owner Pete Little. 

"It’s been so lovely to hear the consistent positive feedback from locals and regulars who recognise what a fantastic move this is for us.

“Our menu continues to offer generous, flavoursome and seasonal food, with our kitchen team sourcing ingredients from local growers and producers. Think a Middle East meets Mediterranean feel, showcasing South Australian produce.” 

The collaboration between Harvest Kitchen and Jacob’s Creek came about thanks to a shared philosophy, with both businesses having a strong focus on building community and bringing people together.

"We can now allow more significant group bookings and more people through our doors," says Little.

"Our new home is a purpose-built venue with multiple flexible spaces for diverse group dining and a larger kitchen, enabling us to build on our menu.

“Seeing the number of locals re-engaging with the site as well as the number of tourists coming to see what’s happening, and the ease with which they can move between the spaces, it’s clear to see that this new relationship between Harvest Kitchen and Jacob's Creek holds benefits far beyond just those of the individual brands.

“The walking trails around Rowland Flat and along Jacob’s Creek, along with the golf course just up the road, also make for a compelling day out for any local or Adelaide day-tripper.”

Harvest Kitchen is open for lunch seven days a week from 11.30 am and dinner on Saturday evenings from 6pm 

Bookings can be made online via www.harvest-kitchen.com.au.

Special release marks vineyard's century of excellence

UPDATED

A special anniversary bottling from Grant Burge Wines celebrates the 100th anniversary of the much-loved Filsell Vineyard in the Barossa.

Originally planted in 1920, the Filsell vineyard is one of the oldest and most consistent in the region and only 6000 bottles will be available of the anniversary shiraz from the 2021 vintage.

The Grant Burge Filsell 100 will be available in 750ml bottles and presented in a 100% recyclable gift box at an RRP of $99.

The 2021 vintage provided even ripening and slow grape maturation leading to exceptional phenolic ripeness and colour, says winemaker Craig Stansborough, who says the wine has cellaring potential for 10+ years. 

The same vineyard, known for its bold fruit flavours, also provides fruit for the Grant Burge flagship wine: the Mescach Shiraz.  

Stansborough, head winemaker for almost a quarter of a century and a survivor of the purchase by Accolade Wines, suggests a food match of rib eye with portobello mushrooms and a rocket and blue cheese pesto.

The wine will be released this month - and I liked it a lot. It is gig, bold and cellarworthy, for sure, but it also has a certain swagger and sophistication, like James Bond,  maybe. But more Sean Connery than Timothy Dalton 

I enjoyed the dark inkyness, black berry and currant notes, well integrated oak and the power and length on the palate. 

See https://grantburgewines.com.au/

A crucial element missing at wine celebration

One of the biggest annual events in the Barossa Valley is the annual Declaration of Vintage celebrations.

The regional celebration of the grape harvest is held annually in the Barossa town of Tanunda with plenty of pageantry and colourful costumes to mark the occasion.

This year, however, something was missing: grapes. The 2023 vintage is several weeks behind schedule.

With no ripe grapes to press, for the first time since this event has been staged, the traditional hand crusher remained in storage and no grapes were pressed.

There was, however, some traditional business to attend to: the announcement by the Barons of the Barossa organisation of their Winemaker and Viticulturist of the Year.

The Barons named Jack Scholz (above) as the 2023 Barossa Winemaker of the Year and Tammy and Stuart Schutz as the joint Viticulturists of the Year earlier today.

Louisa Rose, the fraternity’s Grand Master (sounds a bit like the Freemasons) said: “These awards are peer generated. Jack, Tammy and Stuart are all respected for their dedication to producing grapes and wine of quality with a depth of regional expression.”

Jack Scholz, 29, works alongside his father Peter on the Willows Vineyard, which has enjoyed much recent success with its G7 range.

Tammy and Stuart Schutz were both raised in generational Barossa grape growing families.

Viticulturist Adrian Hoffmann, the Barons’ honorary vigneron, said that while grapes have begun to colour, the 2023 vintage is still some weeks away.

Big new gig for rising culinary star

 

Artisans of Barossa is one of South Australia's standout gourmet destinations - a collaboration between eight of the Barossa's leading wine producers that offers a range of food and wine experiences. 

German-born Robin Wagner has just been unveiled as the new head chef following the departure of Ryan Edwards. 

It is a step up for Wagner, who comes to Artisans of Barossa from Magill Estate Restaurant in Adelaide, where he spent four years as sous chef working under head chef Scott Huggins.

Artisans of Barossa opened an impressive new venue in Tanunda in 2021 offering seated tastings and experiences and a Barossa providore.

“It’s advantageous to work with a seasonal, regional menu," Wagner says. "Each season has a purpose, and cheffing is about making dishes that showcase local produce."

His kitchen philosophy is based on minimal food wastage, and he is passionate about seasonal vegetables. 

Wagner has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants in Germany and hatted restaurants in Australia, which has been his home for the past five years. 

His CV includes a stint at the Lake House in Daylesford and at Sepia in Sydney. 

“It’s a unique experience working with eight winemakers collaborating and producing various wines," he says. "I look forward to working with such a beautiful portfolio of wines - it offers flexibility and diversity.” 

The eight Artisan members are John Duval Wines, Spinifex Wines, Purple Hands Wines, Lienert Vineyards, Chaffey Bros. Wine Co., Schwarz Wine Co., Hobbs of Barossa Ranges and Sons of Eden.

Essen restaurant at Artisans is now open seven days a week and offers an à la carte menu. See www.artisansofbarossa.com. 

Barossa family wine business has two reasons to celebrate

As Barossa winery Elderton celebrates 40 vintages, it also has another milestone worth marking. 

Family owned and operated Elderton is now a certified member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. 

"We now measure all of the aspects of land and soil, water, biodiversity, energy and waste and measure it against our peers with the aim of further improving our sustainable practices," says co-owner Cameron Ashmead. 

"It is very exciting what is happening here at Elderton, especially in relation to our partnership with Carbon Neutral and our work offsetting all of our emissions.

"My brother, Allister, and I together run our second generation family owned winery in Australia's famous Barossa Valley and we strive for excellence from distinguished vineyard sites in the region." 

Elderton was founded by the late Neil Ashmead and his wife Lorraine, who had been working in Saudi Arabia but wanted to raise their family in Australia.

The family homestead, in the heart of the township of Nuriootpa, was surrounded by extremely old shiraz and cabernet sauvignon vines. 

At a time where demand for Australian table wine was negligible, the vineyard had become derelict. 

After years of no interest, in 1980 the real estate agent eventually offered the Ashmeads the 72-acre vineyard as a bonus, as part of the sale of the homestead. 

In 1982, after restoration works in the vineyard, Elderton Wines was born.

The second generation, Cameron and Allister and their families, took the reins of the business in 2003. 

For more info see https://eldertonwines.com.au/

Staying close to the Barossa action

Location can be the key to a good hotel experience and it is hard to find a better location than that enjoyed by the Barossa Weintal in the busy little township of Tanunda.

The Weintal is situated close to wineries, cafes and boutique shops - many of which are just a short stroll away.

Just one-hour drive from Adelaide in a region famous for its wine, German-accented produce and tranquil landscapes, the Barossa Weintal is set back from the main road in lovely gardens.

Tanunda is known for being the heart and soul of the Barossa, filled with places in which to spend your money. Most importantly, here you are within walking distance to several wineries and cellar doors. 

The Barossa Weintal offers four different room styles - including large, modern spa suites, free wifi, free car parking, an on-site restaurant, gaming room and guest laundry. My spa bath was big enough to hold a party in. 

There is also a swimming pool for summer enjoyment - which is being improved right now. 

There are 40 rooms and comfortable luxury accommodation in 10 superior studios.

The Angus & Co eatery is a modern steakhouse-style eatery offering steaks, ribs, seafood and burgers - but its opening hours can be a bit random. Covid problems but it is worth checking first. 

The Barossa Weintal offers pet-friendly accommodation - but it must be organised in advance.

It is fair to say the property has had a mixed past, but refurbs by owners Elanor Investors have changed perceptions. 

Online prices start from under $120 a night depending on the season - great value in a tourist region. 

See https://www.barossaweintal.com.au/  

# The writer was a guest of Barossa Weintal

Lambert Estate: Wisconsin comes to the Barossa

Contributor Roderick Eime goes exploring.

On a recent visit to the Barossa, I was able to revisit a winery that is becoming a personal favourite, Lambert Estate winery at Angaston. 

The story behind this unusual property is unique in the Barossa in that it is not founded by one of the old families, rather an American businessman, Jim Lambert, who brought his family here from, of all places, Wisconsin. 

From a US state known for Milwaukee’s beer and big motorcycles, Lambert fell in love with the Barossa in the 1990s and decided to grow grapes on 100 acres of fabulous soil. Today his ultramodern cellar door is a winery, tasting room and restaurant with super quality food and wine with a heavy reliance on local produce.

Three generations of Lamberts (R Eime)

The superb restaurant is helmed by Chef Roger Farley, who has a delightful touch of ‘mad scientist’ about him.

His triple-cooked, hand-cut potato wedges and mandarin glazed carrots are ridiculously yummy and make an ideal accompaniment to his superb meat dishes like slow-cooked lamb shank and pork belly with red cabbage kimchi. 

All produce is grown on-site and meat procured locally. Enhancements are planned including a state-of-the-art pizza oven. Ideal for groups and events of any size, just book well ahead. 

Lambert Estate Restaurant is open for a la carte dining Friday to Sunday from noon until 3pm.

A very small selection of Lambert Wines and tasting room (R Eime)

Not forgetting the wine. 

Lambert’s 2015 Shiraz ‘The Commitment’ is a knockout and a credit to winemaking son Kirk and Peruvian-born daughter-in-law Vanesa. 

Step up to ‘The Family Tree’, one of the best premium, old vine, single vintage shirazes under $100 you will find anywhere. I couldn’t decide, so I bought one of each.

Cellar door is open seven days a week from 11am until 5pm with platters and tastings available.

There is also accommodation available on-site, The Retreat, a full three-bedroom cottage capable of sleeping six.

Lambert Estate, 55 Long Gully Road, Angaston SA 5353. Phone (08) 8564 2222

Email: sales@lambertestate.com