Barons of Barossa
The Beginning
In 1975 a small group of leading lights in the Barossa wine community created the Wine Fraternity, Barons of Barossa. They modelled their group on established wine societies in Europe, adopting the recognisable red and gold ceremonial gowns and the wearing of the Tastevin.
Founding members included the great wine names of that era: Seppelt, Hill Smith, Lehmann, Gramp, Kolarovich, Hoffmann and Sir Condor Laucke.
Left to right: Peter Lehmann, Wyndham Hill-Smith, Cyril Henschke, Bill Seppelt, Condor Laucke, Bruce Hoffmann, Colin Gramp.
Left to right: Chris Hatcher, Joanne Irvine, Barbara Storey, Cameron Ashmead, Troy Kalleske, Peter John, Louisa Rose, Adrian Hoffmann, Stephen Henschke, Mark McNamara.
The Barons Now
Now a dynamic association of 100 men and women, its focus remains unchanged since its founding – To promote and foster the Barossa, its wine, viticulture and gastronomy, to help maintain the heritage, lifestyle and traditions of this great region.
The group has run an impressive philanthropy program in the region since its inception, providing critical funding for community groups and educational scholarships. This extended to the publication of the landmark book Vineyards of the Empire, the production of a video series, Preserving Barossa Food Culture, and a landmark study of the attributes of old vine shiraz.
During the 2011 Barossa Vintage Festival, the Barons publicly launched the concept of The Barossa Cellar. The ensuing years were dedicated to fundraising, building this magical space, officially opened in March 2020.
Membership of Barons of Barossa is by invitation and is offered to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the Barossa.