Our Artisan in the House - May reveal

Every Saturday this May, immerse yourself in the Autumn colours of the Barossa with a unique wine-tasting journey, our Artisan in the House programme.

 Join a winemaker each week in our Wine Room for an exclusive tasting of their wines. Secure your place in our Wine Room lounge and discover a selection of new releases and, often, treasured museum pieces. They will guide you through the details of small-batch winemaking traditions in the Barossa and help you explore the distinct character of each wine.

 This intimate experience, a true reflection of our collaborative spirit, offers a unique opportunity to engage in deep conversations about the wines with the people who create them.

Availability in the Wine Room is limited. Making a reservation is essential.

4 May: John Duval Wines

Join John and Tim Duavl for the 'Deconstruction of Plexus', the Shiraz, Grenache, Mataro blend that was the first John Duval Wines release in 2003 and recently added to the Langton's Classification

This promises to be an insightful look at some of the best individual expressions of terroir and singular grape varieties as we reveal the 2022 single vineyard Annexus wines. 2022 was John's 49th vintage, and Tim's 6th, since joining his father in 2016.

John Duval is one of the world's best-known winemakers from a family boasting four generations of South Australian vignerons. After 28 years with Penfolds, including 16 years as Chief Winemaker, John launched his personal wine project in 2003. A new challenge that would allow him to be involved first-hand from vineyard to glass, and provide an opportunity to build something for his family. Rather than seeking to simply emulate Penfolds, the aim of John Duval Wines is to perpetuate the story of a South Australian wine family through a collection of structured and elegant wines made from fruit grown in exceptional old Barossa vineyards. Now established as a respected name in Australian wine in its own right, John Duval Wines welcomed a second generation, eldest son Tim, to the family business in 2016.

11 May: Sons of Eden

Founded in 2000 by Corey Ryan and Simon Cowham, Sons of Eden has quickly cemented itself as a notable presence in the Barossa Valley. 

Corey's extensive background, including as a winemaker for iconic labels, and Cowham's expertise in viticulture, particularly with Eden Valley producers, form a formidable team. Their deep-rooted experience in Barossa, totalling over 50 vintages between them, drives their passion for creating wines that truly represent the region.

18 May: Hobbs of Barossa Ranges

Greg and Allison Hobbs and their family moved to the Barossa in 1995, leaving the city behind for a new life amongst the vines. The vineyard that encircles their home high up in the Barossa ranges is one of the district’s oldest, and each year produces a tiny harvest of intensely flavoured grapes. 

The Hobbs' connection to their vineyard and wine is like few others. They look over the vineyard every morning when they wake up, they pass through it every morning taking the dog for a walk. They work their land every day, and each evening enjoy a glass of wine from the fruit they’ve grown from the vines that surround them.

~~

To be an ‘artisan’ is very much about setting your own path driven by a human desire to explore, experiment and to express ourselves. To create and share things shaped in our mind and made by our own hands for the enjoyment of others. Often proffered with a simple “I made this, please enjoy”. A tinge of pride yes, but hubris never.

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

Eight small winemakers brought together by a shared commitment to protect and promote the art of small-batch Barossa winemaking.

Presenting over 100 Barossa wines on tasting in one place, along with Essen, our benchmark Barossa dining space, Artisans of Barossa is a not-to-be missed destination for any seeker of warm hospitality and Barossa wine and food.