Latest Barossa Valley Events News

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.

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.

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.

Reservations essential. Follow the link for "Essen by Artisans of Barossa" https://artisansofbarossa.com/pages/restaurant-bookings ⁠

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.

Visit the "Rarieties reservations" page 

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 

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.

Read more.

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.

Read more.

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! 

This label consists of brothers-in-law Daniel Chaffey Hartwig and Theo Engela – hence the name Chaffey Bros. Wine Co. The brothers-in-law were recently joined by young-gun winemaker Huon Fechner, who has further pushed the boundaries of their ‘New Wave Barossa’ wine. 

Not only is their branding super slick and fun, but Chaffey Bros. Wine Co. pours different varieties not commonly found on the conventional tasting list. We love the ‘funky fresh’ style of textural wines from these makers – and the fact that their wines just happen to be vegan-friendly too.

• 7 January: Dan Hartwig, Chaffey Bros. Wine Co.
• 14 January: A particular Rosé focus.
• 21 January: Jason Scwharz, Scwarz Wine Co.
• 28 January: Mark Slade, Purple Hands 

A reservation in our lounge for a Rarieties tasting is required.

Visit the "Rarieties reservations" page 

Purple Hand Wines formed with two good mates coming together to make good wine. In 2006, Craig Stansborough and Mark Slade made just over a tonne of Shiraz in Craig’s shed for their first vintage. Fast forward sixteen years, they now have three different wine labels – Purple Hand Wines, After Five Wine Co. and Planta Circa.

We love Craig and Slade’s passion for wine – even the name of their label is a tribute to the industry. If you don’t know a winemaker personally – often their hands become stained purple during vintage due to the consistent contact with grape skins and the juice.

Click to read more about our triple-trophy-winning producers!

Artisans of Barossa is excited to release lunch reservations in Essen for seven days through December 2022 and early January 2023. 

Please ensure you arrange your visit well in advance this summer when visiting the Barossa Valley.

Click for reservations