Many different facets of the Barossa

From new experiences, new tastes and new places to stay, the Barossa is one of the liveliest wine regions to visit in Australia.

New at Jacob's Creek, as part of its membership with Ultimate Winery Experiences, is a suite of horse riding experiences from their Barossa cellar door, created in collaboration with Olympic medallist and eventer Megan Jones and her team at Hallmark Farm.

The partnership aims to blend the best of wine tourism and agritourism, offering guests the chance to explore the beautiful vineyards and surrounding landscapes on horseback before returning to enjoy a taste of the local product.

The experiences range from a horse ride and picnic, to a scenic trail ride and private curated tasting.

Meanwhile, Barossa Grand Retreats’ Benbullen Pavilions (above), set within 10 acres of peaceful countryside in the Barossa, are aimed at couples or groups seeking privacy and comfort.

Surrounded by rolling vineyards and native landscapes, each pavilion features three suites, each with its own en-suite bathroom and private deck.

Open-plan living areas include gourmet kitchens with premium European appliances and a spacious butler’s pantry.

Located just outside Angaston, Benbullen Pavilions offers high-speed wifi and sustainable design principles.



When you've had enough wine but still want a drink, The Distillery Door at the Barossa Valley Distillery (above) might fit the bill.

The Distillery Door Tasting Room & Cocktail Bar is housed in the Old Penfolds Distillery in Nuriootpa.

It is home to some of the oldest commercial stills in Australia, including a Coffey Still of which there are only three in the world.

The Distillery is a celebration of all things spirits, offering tasting paddles of gins and cocktails, alongside local Barossa wines and beers from smaller producers. 

imbibe in the historic bar or in the botanical garden seating area outside. There are pizzas from Friday-Sunday.

See https://www.barossa.com/

From a backyard venture to global success: Calabria Wines marks 80 years

What began 80 years ago as a migrant family's backyard hobby is now a global wine success story.

Calabria Family Wines, formerly known as Westend, is celebrating 80 years of winemaking, honouring four generations of family legacy and innovation dating back to 1945.

With vineyards from the Riverina to the Barossa, the Calabria family has launched a commemorative digital story, featuring family patriarch Bill Calabria and his granddaughter Sophie, sharing their journey. Watch the video.

The story begins in Griffith, home to many Italian migrant families, but Francesco and Elisabetta Calabria’s hobby has grown into one of Australia’s leading family-owned wine businesses.

Bill Calabria AM (below), second-generation winemaker, director, and one-time professional boxer. reflects on the journey.

“We’ve come a long way from my parents’ backyard winery," he says. "What hasn’t changed is our commitment to quality, our love for the land, curiosity, and the belief that wine brings people together. That’s what drives us forward.”

The Calabrias now have state-of-the-art winemaking facilities with third and fourth generations now actively involved.

Calabria, Richland and Three Bridges are among the family's high-profile label, with the addition of new brands like Calabria BELENA, and premium wines including Iconic and Saint Petri.

The 80th birthday sees the family focusing on the future, as well as supporting national charities through the Bill Calabria Foundation.

“We’re not just making wine, we’re building something that lasts," says Andrew Calabria, third-generation sales and marketing director.

"That means listening to our customers, investing in our people, and protecting the land that gives us so much.”

To mark this milestone, the Calabria family has unveiled the Calabria 80th Anniversary Limited Edition Durif VP.

“We’re proud of our history, and reaching 80 years is a significant milestone; it definitely is a time to reflect,” says Bill Calabria. 

“Having Sophie retell our story makes it even more special. But we’re not just looking back; we’re firmly focused on the road ahead. Calabria Family Wines is here for the long haul.”

Calabria wines are today exported to over 40 countries and are known for offering excellent value.

For more information about Calabria Family Wines see www.calabriawines.com.au.

Star chef rings in the changes in the Barossa

 

Star chef Jake Kellie has rung in the changes following his recent appointment as culinary director at Orleana, the signature dining space at historic country house estate and hotel Kingsford The Barossa. 

Kellie's first à la carte menu invites diners to explore the next chapter in the estate’s story with Kellie showcasing some of South Australia’s best growers, farmers and producers.

Open to both the public and residents, the restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows and a modern, elegant interior.

“At Orleana, our approach is deeply rooted in South Australia’s seasonal ingredients, and our menu showcases the distinctive flavours of the Barossa," Kellie says. 

"By celebrating the incredible produce on our doorstep and creating an immersive dining experience, we’re able to share the story of this beautiful region. 

"I’m proud of what we’ve created for our guests and excited to continue evolving our offer with new wedding menus, special offers for locals and so much more."

The chef honed his craft at Burnt Ends in Singapore before founding arkhé in Adelaide in 2021.



Think starters offerings like Barossa crudité with smoked eggplant and macadamia; zucchini flowers with Spencer Gulf prawn and sauce diavolo; and Two Gulfs crab with brown butter sauce and warmed brioche. 

Highlight mains include Mayura Station Wagyu rump cap with house-made mustard; roasted Lyndoch duck with caramelised orange and choux farcis; and Ferguson Rock lobster with shio koji beurre blanc and shellfish oil.

Desserts, meanwhile, include a chocolate macaron filled with pistachio ganache and pickled cumquats, and a Comté cheese tart (although the Jura is not exactly local).

Orleana’s beverage program features Barossa wines alongside wider Australian and international favourites. So names including Seppeltsfield, Penfolds, Henschke and Langmeil.

“This menu showcases Jake’s technical expertise and creativity, grounded in a deep respect for the region’s finest offerings," says General manager Martin Hamilton said:

" We’re excited for what’s ahead in 2026, with the team already preparing a raft of special events across the estate, which we look forward to sharing with both locals and visitors to South Australia.

Orleana is open for lunch Saturday to Sunday and dinner Wednesday to Sunday.

If Kingsford Homestead looks familiar, it was known as Drover’s Run over eight seasons of popular Australian TV series McLeod’s Daughters.   

See www.kingsfordbarossa.com.au

One road: one unique wine trail: one day only

Wine trails do not come much shorter, or more exclusive. 

The Vine Vale Winemakers are back in 2025. That means six winemakers, six sheds, one road and one day. 

You can put the date of Sunday, October 12 in your diary to meet along Vine Vale Road in the Barossa to meet small family winemakers who operate either without cellar doors, or open only at limited times. 

But for one day only, from noon, their shed doors swing open to enable wine drinkers to taste wines straight from the source, chat with the winemakers themselves, and experience the place where these labels are brought to life.

Discover the stories behind the bottles with Tim Smith Wines (image), Hart of the Barossa, Heidenreich Estate, Steinborner & Reynolds Family Vineyards, Kurtz Family Vineyards and Cirillo Estate Wines. 

Each stop will offer a different tasting experience, with food and entertainment. 

The trail order is optional, so you can visit any or all of the six winemakers at your leisure.

My friends Jacques and Tania from Incendio Pizza will be at Hart of the Barossa Wines, with organic pizzas to match their organic wines, but get there early as their pizzas are excellent and tend to sell out.   

Learn more at https://www.barossa.com/events/vine-vale-winemakers-shed-day/ 

Accor adds four Elanor hotels to its Australian portfolio

Four high-profile Elanor Investors Group hotels in Australia are to be re-branded to Accor properties next month. 

Byron Bay Hotel and Apartments will re-brand to The Sebel Byron Bay, Barossa Weintal will re-brand to Mercure Barossa Valley, Clare Country Club will re-brand to Peppers Clare Valley and Adabco Boutique Hotel Adelaide (above) will re-brand to Mantra Wakefield Adelaide. 

The brand conversions "will enable each hotel to benefit from Accor's powerful global distribution, award-winning loyalty platform ALL Accor, and deep regional expertise".

The rebranding of Peppers Clare Valley and Mantra Wakefield Adelaide will follow the completion of planned refurbs. 

The Sebel Byron Bay marks Accor's return to Byron Bay. 

The switches are being delivered in collaboration with 1834 Hotels, which manages the assets of the fund and will oversee day-to-day operations. 

Adrian Williams, Chief Operating Officer of Accor in the Pacific region, said: “We're thrilled to welcome these outstanding hotels and resorts into the Accor network and to deepen our long-standing partnership with both Elanor and 1834 Hotels.

"These hotels are well positioned in key regional and leisure destinations and we are confident they will see immediate benefit from our scale, systems and support. By joining our franchise network, each hotel gains access to Accor's global distribution system and award-winning loyalty programme - ALL Accor. We take a sophisticated and hands-on approach to franchising, working closely with our partners to provide the tools, insights and local support they need to succeed.”

Wigan handed another key role

Yalumba has named Head Winemaker Sam Wigan as the new custodian of its most celebrated wines, continuing the 50-year Rare & Fine tradition.

Wigan, son of former Peter Lehmann chief winemaker Andrew Wigan, has played a role in the fine wine collection at Yalumba since joining the family winery in 2001, and has led Hill-Smith Family Estates’ winemaking
team since 2023.

A Barossa-born winemaker with a career spanning 25 years, Wigan stated he was honoured to take
custodianship of Yalumba’s iconic collection.

“Yalumba’s Rare & Fine wines are the ultimate expression of our heritage and craftsmanship,” says
Wigan.

“They are a true reflection of our long-standing commitment to regionality and authenticity in wine. I
feel incredibly fortunate to build on that tradition while pushing the boundaries of elegance and character for the future.”

Wigan began his winemaking career in 2000 with his father at Peter Lehmann, followed by a vintage in California before joining Yalumba in 2001.

He worked closely with long-time winemaker Kevin Glastonbury, who crafted Yalumba’s Rare & Fine wines until his retirement in June.  

The collection includes The Signature, FDR1A, and most recently The Caley. 

Purple Soul wines make a serious statement

A few weeks ago I was invited to attend "a wine evening of elegance and indulgence" - which sounded right up my street.

Unfortunately, the evening was being held in Adelaide, and am usually based in Tasmania, so had to decline.

But given the event was a launch for a wine brand that I had not heard of - Purple Soul Wines - I was intrigued.

It turns out Purple Soul is based in McLaren Vale with a production facility at Loxton, and is owned by the Lim family, who also have business interests in China.

Fifteen years spent mostly in sales and operations for bulk wine producers motivated Jamison Lim to create his own wine brand, Purple Soul, in 2018. He clearly purchased some quality base material as his wines date back to vintage 2019.

He's chosen his support staff well with Oliver Crawford (ex-Devil's Lair and current MD of wine consultancy group Veraise) as winemaker.

The range is built around chardonnay, grenache and shiraz from the Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale respectively.

Each wine has a name derived from Greek mythology. And as well as Purple Soul, the Lim family also has wine brands in China, Chile, and Italy.

I think they'll be selling a lot of their wine in China as they have done well in several Chinese wine shows, and the ornate packaging is eye-catching.

The first wine I tried - the plummy and turbo-charged 2019 Anchor of Oceanus McLaren Vale Shiraz ($60) - is clearly aimed at lovers of big, macho alcoholic styles. It is described as "bold and only for the brave". It is huge - with 16.7% alcohol by volume.  

Much more to my personal taste were the 2023 Harp of Gaea Barossa Grenache ($60) and the 2023 Sphere of Uranus Adelaide Hills Chardonnay ($60), much more traditional in style abut both full of flavour. 

These are wines that make a serious statement. See https://purple-soul.com.au/

 

Discover warming winter treats at Yalumba

Winter may have arrived but there is still a busy calendar for wine lovers at one of the Barossa's most popular destinations.

Yalumba's historic Wine Room is ready to welcome visitors indoors for a season of warmth, flavours and fine company.

The winter events begin with The Signature & Museum Release Tasting Lunch on Friday, June 14.

Held in the Signature Cellar, this is an intimate tasting experience hosted by former chief winemaker Louisa Rose.

Guests can enjoy a three-course lunch from Vintners Bar & Grill chef Peter Clarke with paired wines including the new release The Signature 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz along with a previews of the 2025 museum releases.

The SALA Festival at Yalumba runs in August.

South Australia’s Living Artists (SALA) will hold two exhibitions in the Wine Room.

First, the Vintners Art Prize - an annual collaboration with Vintners Bar & Grill - showcases local talent with artworks exploring themes of food, wine, and place. Open to residents and workers of the Barossa and Light Regional Council areas, entries close July 18, with the winner announced on July 23.

There will also be a solo showcase by Yalumba’s own Lisa Tekell. Inspired by Australian fauna and flora, Lisa’s finely detailed oil paintings are connected to the natural world.

Her works this year focus on native flowers in full bloom, as seen in her travels, and will be on 
display throughout the month. Book a wine tasting and explore these local works at the same time.

Winter Wine & Whisky at Yalumba will run on August 8-9 and is a mid-winter celebration of flavour, fire, and craft at Yalumba - including the release of a new Smith’s Angaston Whisky.

Guests can enjoy a guided tasting of the new limited-edition whisky along with a behind-the-scenes look at the Hill-Smith family's historic pot still and fistillery and live cooperage demonstrations with barrels being hand-charred for whisky maturation.

Acoustic music on the Terrace and a hearty fireside meal by Howard’s Fire will also be on offer.

Tickets include a glass of Yalumba wine, the whisky tasting, and a meal.

The Yalumba Wine Room is open daily 10am-5pm at 40 Eden Valley Road, Angaston.
Bookings recommended. www.yalumba.com

Running with Bulls adds a Bagnum to its wine range

The Bagnum is fast gaining traction with younger wine drinkers. 

Running with Bulls, owned by Yalumba's Hill-Smith family, has adopted the 1.5-litre bag format for a new release of its popular tempranillo. 

The convenient soft packs are ideal for parties, picnics and camping, being lighter and easier to transport than bottles. 

While the red wine Bagnum category has so far been dominated by shiraz and pinot noir, Barossa-based Running has added tempranillo to the mix. 

The 2023 Tempranillo Bagnum is being promoted as "ideal for younger drinkers and wine explorers seeking quality without compromise". 

The Bagnum is "shareable, sessionable, and 90% lighter than glass - perfect for picnics, hikes, or quiet nights in".

The resealable Bagnum pack also stays fresh for up to 30 days after opening, compared to 3-5 days for a standard glass bottle. It's a fruity, juicy and very gluggable number.  

Launching alongside the Running with Bulls Tempranillo Bagnum is the new Bullish Shiraz - a Barossa shiraz dialled up with a dash of tempranillo. 

Running with Bulls Tempranillo Bagnum ($40) and Bullish Shiraz ($21) are available nationwide at Dan Murphy’s stores and at smithswinestore.com.au. 

So you really want to splash out on a luxury gourmet weekend?

Luxury accommodation group Baillie Lodges has unveiled a series of high-end weekend events and short retreats for 2025 featuring wine and wellness weekends, photo safaris and culinary showcases. 

The events span properties in its Australia- and- Canada-based luxury lodges. 

Guests can meet with winemakers and culinary experts, reconnect with nature, join creative workshops and enjoy long lunches, fine wines and gourmet dinners. 

Among the gourmet highlights are: 

Henschke by the Sea at Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island,  June 27-29

A weekend hosted by star Barossa Valley vignerons Prue and Stephen Henschke featuring world-class wines and produce-led dining at Southern Ocean Lodge. Rates from $6,950 for two guests.

Slow Down in Wine Country at The Louise, Barossa Valley, July 31-August 3 

The Louise presents a luxurious three-night event celebrating wellness, creativity, and connection. Guests begin each day with yoga and gourmet breakfasts, explore art workshops and vineyard tastings (above), and unwind with elegant local dining in Appellation restaurant. Rates from $5,170 for two guests.

The Wild Table by Uchi at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, Vancouver Island, June 26-29

The award-winning Uchi restaurants by Hai Hospitality bring their take on modern Japanese cuisine to Vancouver Island’s wild west coast. The Wild Table is an exclusive culinary affair featuring Uchi classics, a bespoke east-meets-west menu, and a sushi-making demonstration using fresh locally sourced seafood. Rates from CA$11,700 for two guests.

For more info email reserve@bailielodges.com.au or call +61 2 9918 4355.

See baillielodges.com.au for full details of other events.

Image: Slow Down in Wine Country at @thelouisebarossa @wondergroundbarossa

Meet Attunement: a new classic Australian red blend

A new-release from St Hugo is a serious discovery for lovers of aged, and age-worthy, Australian red wines.

It is a very impressive blend of Barossa shiraz and Coonawarra cabernet - a classic Australian blend.

"We’re delighted to welcome a brand new shiraz cabernet blend to the St Hugo portfolio: St Hugo Attunement Barossa Coonawarra Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2018," says St Hugo chief winemaker Peter Munro.

"We’ve made this classic blend driven by a singular ambition: to create a wine that promises complexity, elegance, power and refinement, resulting in a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.

"As classic blends go I’d say this is more on the ‘robust end’ but as we know with all blends, it’s about the synergy and why we named this wine Attunement. Precision perfected."

The grapes for the blend, 64% shiraz and 36% cabernet sauvignon, were sourced from two vineyards in the Barossa for shiraz and one for cabernet and one for shiraz in the Coonawarra.

The split between the regions leans towards the Barossa at 52% and 48% Coonawarra.

I liked the immediate drinkability on offer here, the synthesis between the two grape varieties and regions, and the cellaring potential.

"Vintage 2018 was fantastic across South Australia, a little warmer than usual, resulting in pure fruit flavours from both regions," says Munro.

"The fruit was de-stemmed and crushed into static and open fermenters with pumping over regularly to achieve excellent extraction, flavour and tannin.

"The fruit was then drained and pressed followed by malo and ageing for 17 months in new French oak (76%). The team then sat down for the final blending; very much in true St Hugo style: all precision and attention to detail.

Attunement will cost you around $100 a bottle and will be available at selected Dan Murphy stores nationally.

Barossa to get a luxury international hotel

The Barossa - Australia's most famous wine region - is get a new luxury international hotel.

IHG Hotels & Resorts and Adelaide-based Strategic Alliance have announced a partnership to bring the InterContinental Barossa Resort & Spa to the region.

Scheduled to open in 2028 (subject to planning approval), it will be the first luxury branded hotel in a South Australian wine region. 

The 150-room property on a 21-hectare site on a hillside outside Lyndoch "will be an oasis of elegance and sophistication" set amidst the rolling hills and lush vineyards of the famed Barossa. 

Each room will have local views and some with balconies overlooking vineyards. 

“We are exceptionally excited to bring our iconic InterContinental brand to the Barossa, and would like to thank the Strategic Alliance team for partnering with us to invest in the future of South Australian tourism," said Matt Tripolone, IHG Hotels & Resorts Managing Director, Australasia & Pacific. 

"For the first time, the Barossa will boast a globally branded luxury hotel that will serve as an indelible beacon for guests seeking an unparalleled level of luxury and sophistication. 

"Underpinned by stunning architecture and complemented by one of the world's most recognised brands, InterContinental Barossa Resort & Spa will be the perfect destination for wine lovers, gastronomes, and luxury escapists.”

OK Matt. You are clearly excited.

 

David Cook, director of Strategic Alliance, said: “We are very pleased to be partnering with the iconic InterContinental brand and thank them for their shared vision in our Barossa project.

"We look forward to our continued positive engagement with IHG and the Barossa, as our team works closely with them in unlocking this opportunity and bringing this project to fruition.”

When complete, the InterContinental Barossa Resort & Spa (render, above) will feature a selection of dining options, including a 130-seat signature restaurant. 

Other resort amenities will include a pool, a day spa and a fitness centre. 

A special day as Yalumba celebrates 175 years

Yalumba, Australia’s oldest family-owned winery, today celebrates its 175th anniversary. 

The landmark date highlights a year filled with events and honours, culminating in the release of a special anniversary wine. 

Winery’s staff gathered this week at Yalumba’s ‘Signature vineyard’ for a symbolic tree-planting morning, underscoring Yalumba’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its vision for the future.

“Today has been a meaningful experience for our team to actively contribute to a more sustainable future," said Yalumba winemaker and head of sustainability Louisa Rose. 

"Our group brings together diverse skills and roles, and it’s special for each of them to give back to the land, especially those not typically involved in our daily viticultural work.

“Our Signature Vineyard, with its view over the Barossa Valley, is still relatively young and planted with cabernet and shiraz. We prioritise planting native vegetation around all our vineyards to support biodiversity and enhance vine health. 

"This vineyard is set to play a pivotal role in our future, providing grapes for our most renowned wine, Yalumba The Signature.”

Today, the Hill-Smith family will host an intimate celebration at Yalumba with fellow Barossa winemaking families to toast 175 years of winemaking excellence.

Reflecting on the journey, Robert Hill-Smith, fifth-generation proprietor and chairman, said: “This anniversary is not only a nod to years passed. It is a reflection of our resilience and a commitment to mastering our craft, generation after generation. 

"It also acknowledges the many exceptional fine wine people that have come through the gates of Yalumba across three centuries with shared love for our property, our wines, and our industry.

“Most of all, it is a celebration of an exciting future ahead for our family business and the world of Australian fine wine. While we celebrate our past 175 years, we keep our eyes firmly set on the next 175 as the generations before us have done.”

To mark the anniversary, Yalumba will release a limited-edition anniversary wine, a Shiraz Grenache blend (above), that reflects the character and heritage of Yalumba and Barossa. 

The grapes are sourced from some of Barossa’s oldest vineyards with plantings ranging from 1854 to 1920. 

The wine will be available in magnum format from today. 

The Yalumba 175th Anniversary Shiraz Grenache 2022 magnums are $175 RRP, available at the Yalumba Wine Room and Yalumba.com. 

Image: Robert Hill-Smith, Louisa Rose and Jessica Hill-Smith planting trees at the Yalumba Signature Vineyard, Barossa

New Peter Lehmann range takes a different direction

So you've got shiploads of decent shiraz sitting in tanks.

Why not create a new wine brand comprising of Barossa shiraz blended with portions of tempranillo, montepulciano and Touriga Nacional?

Welcome to Barossan X - a new range from Peter Lehmann Wines.

The range aims to "redefine" classic Barossa Valley shiraz with a twist.

"[The late] Peter Lehmann himself believed rules existed to be bent, broken, blended and amended," said Alfred Loo senior brand manager at Peter Lehmann Wines.

"With this range, we aim to rewrite the rules of traditional Barossa shiraz, introducing three exceptional varietals - (not varietals, actually Alfred) - that showcase the diversity and vibrancy of our vineyards."

The star of the show is the Barossan X Daring Shiraz, with a dash of montepulciano. It's medium-bodied but full flavoured with generous fruit flavours and some savoury notes on the finish. Very nice.

My No.2 is the more intense Barossan X Radical Shiraz, with a dash of Touriga. I felt the Barossan X Twisted Shiraz, blended with tempranillo, was the least impressive of the trio.

"We are thrilled to release this new range as a celebration of innovation and creativity in winemaking,” says winemaker Lauren Hutton.

"Barossan X embodies our commitment to innovation while staying true to the unparalleled quality that defines Peter Lehmann Wines."

You'll find the range at BWS and Dan Murphy’s for $23ish.

See https://www.peterlehmannwines.com/pages/barossan-x

earthworks: a wine brand that focuses on grape growers

 

The earthworks brand has been part of the Hill Smith family's wine portfolio for over 20 years, but it has tended to fly under the radar.

Now a new marketing campaign, Dig a Little Deeper, plans to get new sets of eyes on the brand, which retails for around $20 a bottle.

HSFE says it is reintroducing the label, which focuses of the families who grow the grapes across the state of South Australia.

Originally launched in 2003, earthworks Barossa Shiraz has been a consistent on premise and in Coles liquor stores.

"This year, we are proud to launch a new campaign, Dig a Little Deeper, which pays tribute to the family growers who have grown the exceptional fruit that forms the heart and soul of earthworks wines," the company says.

"Over time, the collection has grown to encompass fruit from these Barossa families across their South Australian vineyards.

"The setting of this campaign is James Hage’s vineyard next to his home in the Barossa." See the campaign video here.

The range encompasses earthworks Barossa Shiraz 2022, earthworks Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, earthworks Tempranillo 2022, earthworks Riesling 2023 and earthworks Rosé 2023.

All five wines offer good-value midweek drinking with the riesling and rosé both zippy and approachable - both are recommended - and the cabernet just edging out the shiraz as the best red. 

It was, however, disappointing that the rosé label gives no indication of the grape varieties involved. I’d also like to see a breakdown of where the fruit comes from in the wines lazily labelled as "South Australia". 

After all, the brand is all about the earth. Let us know what earth.   

Seppeltsfield swoops to buy established Barossa vineyard

Seppeltsfield owner Warren Randall has swooped to buy an established Barossa vineyard from struggling Australian Vintage Ltd. 

Seppeltsfield announced today that it had acquired a 230-acre vineyard in Lyndoch was previously part of the original Chateau Yaldara property, developed by Hermann Thumm in 1946.

The move comes as Randall eyes increased sales to the Chinese market. 

Seppeltsfield was established in 1851 and is one of the most iconic wineries in Australia.

The historic property is owned by The Randall Wine Group, established in 1978, and led by executive chairman Warren Randall.

The Randall Wine Group is Australia’s largest private premium vineyard holder with 9230 acres along with an expanding portfolio of luxury wine brands, including Penny’s Hill and Gemtree Organic Wines in McLaren Vale.

The vineyard is planted to mature shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, mataro and grenache and the entire crop with be crushed at Seppeltsfield from 2025.

Since Chinese tariffs were removed from bottled Australian wines on March 28, exports have skyrocketed. 

Seppeltsfield’s strategic purchase of the AVL Lyndoch vineyard is to specifically feed the newly created demand for luxury Australian wine to China, the company said in a statement.

“The AVL Lyndoch vineyard acquisition is a strong addition to our already dominant position in the Barossa Valley landscape,” Randall said.

“China’s demand for luxury Australian wines prior to the tariffs was very strong and the Lyndoch Barossa Valley vineyard acquisition offered Seppeltsfield an opportunity to fortify our supply volumes of luxury wines for a thirsty market.

“Our vineyard holdings in the Barossa Valley now exceed 4,000 acres, growing 10,000 tonnes, producing nearly 10 million bottles of luxury Barossa Valley wine every year.”

Meet some great-value wines that are worth dancing to

Derek Fitzgerald is the owner and winemaker for Paisley Wines from the Barossa.

But he's also DJ Deadly, a man with a love for music and art.

Paisley Wines was created in 2016 by Derek and his partner Kirsten Harvey in 2016 and now has major distribution with Single Vineyard Sellers.

The winery is named after a Scottish town near Glasgow with a history of beautiful textile weaving - the home of Kirsten’s great great grandfather.

The ‘Mixed by DJ Deadly’ label reflects Derek’s '90s love affair with dance parties and techno music and is a nod to his school nickname, Deadly Derek.



In his youth, Derek would make CDs of his DJ mixes for his friends and sign them ‘Mixed by DJ Deadly.’

Now that love in the inspiration for the stylish Mixed by DJ Deadly range of easy drinking but very well-made wines that are in the groove and retail for a very fair $25 a bottle.

"With the obvious music links we love our Boombox Shiraz (because we are kids of the 80s), the Turntable GSM (the records are overtaking the living room) and our new Keyboard Rosé - after all who doesn't love a bit of synth with their music," say the couple.

While Paisley and DJ Deadly are relatively new labels, Fitzgerald has been making wine for 20 years, cutting his teeth at wineries like Thorn Clarke and Bremerton.

He aims to bring an element of finesse and a light touch to the warm climate big flavoured wines of the Barossa region.

Of the wines that I tried I particularly liked the juicy and stylish 2021 GSM, the nicely balanced 2022 Amplifier Chardonnay (made using Padthaway fruit) and the astutely judged 2021 Boombox Shiraz.

Here's Derek's latest playlist that he says is "selected with songs that are perfectly chilled for a great wine tasting or wine drinking occasion!"

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2fCBjkmPillmzAQ5zhV9yR?si=6917cb17ffa84d5c

Gibson unveils a new wine and a new look

Barossa Valley vigneron Rob Gibson is today launching a new wine, and a new branding. 

A new premium shiraz - the 2021 Gibson Burkes Hill Single Site Eden Valley Shiraz ($85) - is the first single vineyard offering that Gibson Wines has released in its 28-yeer history. 

Winemaker Gibson, a Baron of the Barossa, has a long history with the grape variety, but has always blended fruit from difference sources. 

The Burkes Hill vineyard in the Eden Valley is one of the region’s most picturesque sites and has established a reputation for producing exceptional fruit. 

To date, however, the vineyard has been known for standout rieslings, which have been crafted for Gibson by star former Peter Lehmann winemaker Andrew Wigan. 

Gibson describes the 2021 vintage as “one of the best of my 50 years’ experience so far”. 

“2021 has proven to be a really compelling year and the best wines will have great age-ability," said Gibson (below).

“This is a counterpoint to how we’ve normally expressed the Barossa’s regional hero variety. 

"It’s extending the conversation about the diversity of sites. The Burkes Hill site has sub-block diversity. It’s a microcosm of our more common approach with shiraz across the Barossa.”

The first 100 six-packs of 2021 Burkes Hill Single Site Shiraz have been released in limited-edition timber cellar cases for $700, including a a museum quality, fine art paper panorama of the Burkes Hill vineyard by renowned photographer, Dragan Radocaj. 

Each is individually numbered and signed by both Rob Gibson and Radocaj. See gibsonwines.com.au

The release also marks "a purposeful polish" to the Gibson brand with a new brand marque, Dirtborn Barossa, reflecting Gibson's geology background (The Dirtman) and his down-to-earth character. 

This will feature on all labelling going forward and the cellar door has also undergone a refurbishment.

What about the wine? 

My notes describe it as an undeniable an Alpha red. A macho prop forward with a deft offload or two in its skills set.

Despite coming from a cooler site, it has plenty of sass and style. I wish I had not opened my bottle as I suspect it will be glorious in a decade or so.

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Discover some Barossa wine gems - and then linger longer

Schubert Estate makes wines of power and precision, but tends to fly under the radar compared to some its higher-profile Barossa neighbours.

I've been working my way through some impressive wine releases and added their new tasting room to my "to do" list for my next visit.

The pioneering Schubert family planted vineyards along Roennfeldt Road in the Barossa in 1915, selling grapes to many neighbour wine producers.

In 2000, a small parcel was retained, yielding a single barrel of wine carrying the Schubert Estate name and the image of a goose - which the family chose as a symbol of courage, strength, and adventure.

Almost a quarter of a century on, winemaker Matt Reynolds produces artisan wines of style and substance.

The winery recently took out a Double Gold/ Diamond Trophy award at the Sakura Japan’s Women’s Wine Awards. 

For visitors, Schubert Estate "recently opened a magnificent new wine room and three-bedroom luxe residence", reports wine business consultant Howard Duncan.

The Wine Room (below) is open Monday-Friday11am-4pm and at weekends by appointment. The structured tastings include a complimentary sample platter and last for around 45 minutes.

Wines are also served by the glass and bottle, and can be paired with a gourmet platter.

For those wanting to stay awhile, the recently unveiled Residence, a classic old homestead, is set among he vineyards and gardens and offers premium self-contained accommodation for up to six people.

There are three double bedrooms, two with en suite bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen.

See https://schubertestate.com/pages/the-residence

Walk, wine and dine with two famous Barossa families

Want to get up close and personal with two of Australia's most famous farming families?

As a one-off on Sunday, May 5, as part of Tasting Australia, you can walk with two prominent Barossa families - Henschke and Angas - on a stroll through Hutton Vale Farm in the Barossa’s Eden Valley.

Local Barossa chef Sam Smith of Otherness and formerly Fino at Seppeltsfield, will provide ‎appetisers paired to Hutton Vale and Henschke wines at intervals along the 5km trail, and then serve a Barossa-style lunch at Hutton Vale Farm.

The day begins at Henschke’s historic cellar door in Keyneton.

Meet the family at the heart of one of Australti'as leading family wine companies and then travel to Gnadenberg Church, alongside the world-famous Hill of Grace vineyard.

The Angas family will then guide you over the hill to Hutton Vale Farm’s classified Barossa Old Vine riesling vineyard; where a tasting of the region’s best white wines awaits.

Next stop; shiraz vines planted in 1912 by Ronald Angas - which produce the fruit for Henschke's Mount Edelstone and the starting point beginning of the two families becoming entwined as neighbours, collaborators and friends.

The next tasting awaits at the peak of Mount Edelstone with a trio of shirazes; Hill of Grace, Hutton Vale Farm and Mount Edelstone - along with 360-degree views of northern Eden Valley.

The it is a wander back to Hutton Vale Farm’s courtyard for lunch with a special selection of family wines.

The walk is called the Vino Camino and there is also an accommodation deal on offer.

The event can cater to vegetarian, vegan and coeliac dietary requirements.

For details see https://tastingaustralia.com.au/products/events/2024/vino-camino-2024