News & Events
Reviewed: Grenache Project 2021
We recently sent our Grenache Project 2021 out to wine writers to gather their feedback on our concept and the wines themselves. We're thrilled with the feedback!
“The Artisans of Barossa Grenache Project offers a superb insight into how different winemaking techniques can radically alter the style and profile of Grenache. Picking times, use of stalks and oak regimes are just some of the key decisions that winemakers make in every vintage with the resulting wines here ranging from traditionally bold Barossans to more modern and ethereal wines. For the Artisans Grenache Project, a different vineyard is chosen every year, and in 2021 it was the Rosenzweig Vineyard in the small Light Pass district, purchased by James Rosenzweig in 1996, with vines going back to 1969 plantings.”
Angus Hughson, Wine Pilot. Full review: here
“If you love Grenache, you’ll be thrilled to explore what these six winemakers bring to the table. If you love wine, this is one incredibly unique Project that delves into the prospect of the same fruit being handled differently to demonstrate what thoughtful and considered winemaking can deliver. In short, each winemaker was given one tonne of Grenache from the Rozenweig Vineyard to produce their own interpretation.”
Steve Leszczynski, Q Wine. Full review here: here
This collaborative effort brings our winemakers together to explore the possibilities of Barossa wine expression from a single varietal. Since 2017 Artisans of Barossa has presented six wines, made by six winemakers, from one Barossa vineyard in an experiment designed to explore the influence of winemaking on the terroir of a single Barossa Grenache vineyard. Each year, the vineyard has moved to a different grower in another sub-region of Barossa.
The Grenache Project is available as a seated mastercalss or a one on one in our Rarities Lounge.
Masterclass:
A unique, private room masterclass exploring the winemaker’s influence, or the impact of origin, on the character and flavour of Barossa wine through our acclaimed ‘Grenache Project’. This tasting features the six wines from the 2021 release.
This seated masterclass takes place in the Artisan’s Room, a private room with stunning views of the rolling Barossa Ranges and vineyards close enough to touch and hosted by one of our experienced Wine Room hosts. Other guests booked for this masterclass may join the room. The room is wheelchair accessible and can control music and air-conditioning levels to keep you comfortable.
Reservations required: click the link for "Grenache Project masterclass reservations"
Grenache Project Tasting:
A one-on-one guided tasting exploring the winemaker’s influence, or the impact of origin, on the character and flavour of Barossa wine through our acclaimed ‘Grenache Project’. This tasting features the six wines from the 2021 release. *Included in the cost is a take-home six-pack of the complete Project, including collateral, to repeat the tasting at home with friends.
For extra guests joining the tasting, please add this to your reservation in the next step.
This seated tasting takes place in our Rarities Lounge, the best seats in our Wine Room with views across the vineyards to the Barossa Ranges, and is hosted by one of our experienced Wine Room hosts. Other guests booked for Rarities tasting may join the lounge at separate tables. The Rarities Lounge is wheelchair accessible.
Reservations required: click the link for "Grenache Project Tasting reservations"
Accessible to AS1428 standards
Latest news: 14 top Barossa Valley restaurants for lunch and dinner by Australian Traveller
Australian Traveller names Essen by Artisans of Barossa number one on their just published "14 top Barossa Valley restaurants for lunch and dinner" list.
Thanks for the lovely words "A pitched roof, deluge of natural light and views out across a procession of vines and the Mount Lofty Ranges play home to Essen, the benchmark dining space at Artisans of the Barossa, which has undoubtedly grown into one of the best wineries and cellar doors in town since floating onto the scene in 2021."
Easter 2023 in the Barossa
Artisans of Barossa is open every day from 10am, with reservations essential. We will be open on Saturday evening, for dinner in Essen by Artisans of Barossa, and for wine and light snacks in our Delikatessen.
The Wine Room opens at 10am each day, with reservations upuntil 5pm: Reservations essential. Follow the link for "Essen by Artisans of Barossa" https://artisansofbarossa.com/pages/book-a-tasting
Essen by Artisans of Barossa is open for lunch each day, and for dinner on Saturday night: Essen presents a contemporary, innovative interpretation of seasonal Barossa food with a two, or three, course autumn menu.
Reservations essential. Follow the link for "Essen by Artisans of Barossa" https://artisansofbarossa.com/pages/restaurant-bookings
Our Delikatessen & Providore is also open daily from 10am. The Providore is stocked with Artisan wine and an abundance of great produce sourced from Barossa. A place to browse and shop for great local artisan wine and food.
Reservations are available and take priority. Whilst walk-ins are welcome, planning ahead with a reservation, especially on the weekend, will avoid disappointment.
The story & history behind: The ancestor vines of Planta Circa
These ancestor vines (equal to or over 125 years of age) inspire the Planta Circa label – literally “planted around the region of” as the exact date of the plantings remains a mystery. Purple Hands believe the cabernet vines are some of the oldest on their roots, still producing fruit today.
The Planta Circa cabernet was first released from the 2013 vintage and received a 97-point rating from James Halliday, which ranked it amongst the top Cabernet Sauvignon wines in the 2016 Halliday Wine Companion.
“This is pure and simple cabernet, elegant, long and finely structured. A great cabernet vintage for this great vineyard.”
James Halliday, published 18 June 2021
The 2021 wines have just been released.
To buy these limited wines, follow the link for "Purple Hands" click here 🔗
Produly members of Artisan of Barossa.
Taste a range of Purple Wines at Artisans of the Barossa, or shop their collection via our online store.
The story & philosophy behind: John Duval Wines
From vineyard to the glass, a family’s guarantee of exceptional Barossawine.
Read the stories behind the grape growing and wine making history of the Duval family ~ including John Duval's early career at Penfolds, the creation of John Duval Wines in 2003, and son Tim Duval joining him in 2016.
Produly members of Artisan of Barossa.
Taste a range of John Duval Wines at Artisans of the Barossa, or shop their collection via our online store.
Introducing our Head Chef: Robin Wagner
Robin’s kitchen philosophy fits effortlessly with that of Artisans of Barossa. It is based on minimal food wastage, and he is passionate about seasonal vegetables. Remarkably, it was a vegan dish that saw Robin become a new star in the culinary scene.
Excited about his next challenge, Robin sees 'Barossa', as a strength. “It’s advantageous to work with a seasonal, regional menu. Each season has a purpose, and cheffing is about making dishes that showcase local produce. Going one step further, I am excited to work with the micro seasons of Barossa,” Robin expressed.

Our Artisan in the House - February reveal
Presenting our 'Artisan in the house' programme for February 2023
- 4 February: Hobbs Family Vintners
- 11 February: Sons of Eden
- 18 February: ‘Six Origins of Shiraz’ Special Project
- 25 February: John Duval Wines
- 4 March: Spinifex
A reservation in our lounge for a Rarieties tasting is required.
Event: PIQ Party!
PIQ Party is back!
Join us on the lawns at Artisans of Barossa, Thursday 26th January (public holiday) 2 - 6 pm for the release of our fresh and delicious new Piquepoul (before it's all gone!!) Relax & soak up those Aussie summer beach vibes amongst the vines.
RSVP and for updates: follow the "Facebook Event" link: here
Meet the Artisans: Spinifex Wines
Spinifex Wines is the collaboration between Peter Schell and Magali Gely, who have residents of the Barossa Valley for over twenty years. Spinifex Wines has a strong French influence due to Magali’s family lineage and upbringing in Southern France.
Over the last ten years, Peter has worked six French vintages in Provence, the Languedoc, Bordeaux and Burgundy, which has further influenced their label and fuelled their passion for making unique, hand-crafted wines.
Not only do we love the French influence behind Spinifex Wines, but we are also partial to their Luxe Rose, which has won the 2023 Halliday Wine Companion Awards Rose of the Year.
Meet the Artisans: Hobbs of Barossa Ranges
Greg and Allison Hobbs conceived Hobbs of Barossa Ranges after they made a tree change to the Barossa in 1995. The property they purchased was surrounded by vineyards and overlooked Flaxman’s Valley. This property includes some of the district’s oldest shiraz vines, including a block planted in 1905.
We love the commitment to the sustainability of Hobbs of Barossa Ranges. Not only this, but they’re producing shiraz from some of the district’s oldest vines.
Meet the Artisans: John Duval Wines
John Duval needs no introduction. The internationally renowned winemaker has been only the third person to be entrusted with making Penfolds Grange by their top winemaker. Not to mention, Duval comes from five generations of vineyard management, transitioning to become the first family member to go from growing grapes to making wine.
John Duval showcases the best of Barossa. The reds showcase more conventional styles, including Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre, with his white offering a more experimental and textual take on a Barossa white blend. We recommend purchasing the John Duval Wine range quickly, as these are often snapped up fast!