The Wine Fraternity was founded in 1974 by a group of influential wine industry personalities, leading figures from Barossa Valley wineries at the time.

George Kolarovich of Barossa Co-Operative (Kaiser Stuhl) was elected as the first Grand Master. 

Other founding Barons were the late Wyndham Hill-Smith (Yalumba); Colin Gramp (Orlando); the late Bill Seppelt (Seppelts); the late Sir Condor Laucke; Bruce Hoffmann; Peter Lehmann and the late Cyril Henschke. 

The objective of the organisation was primarily to promote the Barossa Valley and its winemaking and grape growing industries in particular. The constitution of the Wine Fraternity sets down a number of aims including preservation and maintenance of heritage, traditions, standards and public interest in Barossa wine. 

The Fraternity was modelled on similar organisations which exist in France, Germany, Spain and the USA. The European Wine brotherhoods (eg Chevalier du Tastevin in Burgundy) exist not only to promote wines of the particular region in which they are established, but also to carry out philanthropic and charitable works. They have a long history going back into semi-religious origins when vineyards and wine cellars were operated primarily by monastic orders.  

The colourful ceremonial regalia worn by the Barons of Barossa reflects these traditional origins and is a reminder of the links with European migration and settlement which led to foundation of the Barossa Valley. 

The Fraternity is administered by the Grand Council elected from the Membership biennially. The Grand Council's office bearers each have a specific role to play in the Fraternity's activities. 

All Barons wear a full ceremonial dress, together with the symbolic silver tastevin (wine cup) suspended from a ribbon in the Fraternity's colours of red, green and gold.  

The Grand Council is presently made up as follows:

Grand Master	...	Stephen Henschke
Master	...	Colin Glaetzer
Chancellor	...	Mal Whyatt
Keeper of the Archives	...	Peter John
Guardian of the Treasury	...	Stan Obst
Honorary Vigneron	...	Louisa Rose
Mace Bearer	...	Aaron Penley
Food Master	...	Mark McNamara

  
Since the foundation of the Fraternity, only eight Barons have held the office of Grand Master, viz. George Kolarovich, Bill Seppelt, Graham Anderson, Ross Jenkins, David Obst, Gerald Viergever, Bruce Thiele and Stephen Henschke. 

Membership of the Fraternity is by invitation - to persons who reside (or have resided) in the Barossa and who are considered to have made an outstanding contribution to the district, not only to the wine and grape-growing industries specifically, but also in civic endeavours for the benefit of the local community over a long period of time. 

Induction Ceremonies (when new members are welcomed into the Fraternity) are held biennially - usually 5-6 new members are appointed. Appointment is for life. 

Today there are about (66) members, including (6) females. The induction of women into the Fraternity was facilitated by a recent change to the Constitution and is a welcome innovation. 

Over the years, the Barons have worked towards a number of special projects - most notably provision of a specialist wine library at Roseworthy Agricultural College and more recently in raising $30,000 to fund the research, writing and publication of the "Vineyard of the Empire" book which is recognised as a definitive history of the Barossa Valley's wine industry from founding up until the beginning of World War II.

The Barons of Barossa sponsor many local events and run an extensive marketing program to promote the Barossa. 

The Barons of Barossa have become recognised as part of the fabric of Barossa culture and continue to play a colourful and symbolic role in order to achieve the Fraternity's motto:

..."Glory to Barossa"