Origins of the Barossa
Australian wine and the Barossa Valley are inextricably linked. It’s one of our most historic and celebrated wine regions, with sixth-generation grape growers and a history dating back to 1842.
The Barossa Valley was developed for agriculture after British settlers arrived, soon joined by Prussian Silesian Lutherans, who gave the region a distinctly German flavour.
With a rich history dating back to 1842, the Barossa Valley is one of the most historic wine producing regions in Australia with many sixth-generation families still involved in grape growing. Johann Gramp, a farmer from Bavaria, settled on the banks of Jacob's Creek. Like Samuel Smith of Yalumba and many of the other settlers, he recognised that the Barossa Valley was perfectly suited to growing vines. It didn’t take long for Johann’s vineyard venture to thrive.
The golden era
The Barossa Valley grew and evolved, and by the 1960s its wines had a strong reputation in Australia, although they were yet to make their mark on the world. Australians had been mainly drinking fortified wines, so the Barossa had become a specialist at producing those styles. In the 1970s, tastes changed, and Australians slowly but surely grew to love table wines.
During the 1980s and 1990s, a golden era began for the Barossa Valley – and for Australian wine. Shiraz and red blends were in high demand and these styles became some of the most sought-after in the world, cementing the Barossa Valley’s standing as a world-class wine region.
Precious old vines
Barossa Valley is home to some of the oldest vines in the world, including Shiraz and Grenache vines that date back to the 1840s. In 2009, the Barossa Old Vine Charter was rolled out to help recognise, preserve and protect these precious vines.
Do these old stalwarts make better wines? Many believe they do. But, as Robert Hill-Smith of Yalumba says, “The vines are old because they’re good, not good because they’re old.”
It’s clear that tradition and success haven’t made the Barossa wine community complacent. They’ve evolved with the changing world, always innovating while respecting the region’s deeply rooted culture. Early founders would be thrilled to see it now.
A future of diversity
Today, new and exciting winemakers are once again changing the landscape of Barossa Valley wine and adding to its rich diversity. Some come from families that have been in the region since the 1800s; others have been drawn there from all over the world.
These growers and winemakers are exploring alternative varieties, especially Mediterranean varieties such as Viognier, Nero d’Avola and Tempranillo that are well suited to the warm climate. And they’re experimenting with innovative and ancient techniques to create new expressions using traditional varieties like Grenache, Shiraz and Riesling. Sustainability has become a major focus, with several growers moving to organic and biodynamic farming.
With its own story tracing the lines of Australian wine history, the Barossa has played a vital role in pioneering and shaping the broader wine community. Trends shift, and evolution is a constant, but the quality of Barossa Valley wine never changes.
