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Preserving the Barossa's Gastronomic Heritage

Friday, March 7, 2014

The video is a short promo for a 6 x 10 minute video pack which showcases Barossa heritage foods. Hosted by Mark McNamara (Food Luddites) and Callum Hahn (Master Chef fame), it features Barossa cooks and their traditional recipes. The project is funded by the Barons Foundation.

The Barons declare

Sunday, March 2, 2014

The Barons of Barossa declared the 2014 vintage on Sunday 16th February in Tanunda and also celebrated and honoured those who have made significant contributions to the Barossa.

Winemaker of the Year

The 2014 Winemaker of the year is Craig Stansborough. Quietly spoken Craig is chief winemaker at Grant Burge Wines and lets his wines tell his story.  A passionate ambassador for the Barossa, Craig has worked locally and internationally for the region and company promoting the values and messages which have made the region famous. Craig also knows the nuances of the region intimately. In 2006, in addition to his "˜day job'Craig and a mate established Purple Hands Wines; a boutique winery that in 2013 was selected as one of the ten best new 5 star wineries in the 2013 James Halliday Wine Companion.

From left: Craig Stansborough Winemaker of the Year, father Wayne Grope and son Scott Grope Vignerons of the Year.

Vigneron of the Year

Father and son, Wayne and Scott Grope were named Vigneron of the Year. Wayne has completed more than 40 vintages and has seen the family vineyards quadruple. Scott joined his father in 2003 and together they have worked hard to make their vineyards more sustainable through improved soil management practices, minimum tillage, increasing permanent mid row swards, under vine mulching and soil moisture monitoring. For a number of years they have been trialling various eutypa dieback control methods to try to get on top of what they believe is currently one of the biggest challenges facing Barossa growers.

Baron Colin Gramp honoured

Founding Baron, Colin Gramp, was escorted along Murray Street in the Harvest Parade in the 1926 Orlando Chevrolet truck which was the very vehicle that he learnt to drive in.

Barons donate $3000 to the Country Fire Services

CFS representatives, Tanunda Captain Rick Kessner and Eden Valley Captain John Richardson received $1000 from the Barons which was matched by $1000 from Baron Stefan Ahrens and a further $1000 from Barons Grant and Helen Burge. The donation was in appreciation for the untiring efforts of all CFS members during the recent Barossa bush fires.
 
For services to the industry

Ian Zander received the Services to the Industry Award from James March, CEO of Barossa Grape and Wine. Ian's community involvement has spanned across many groups including Unite Farmers and Graziers, subsequently SA Farmers Federation and now Primary Producers SA; the Barossa Wine Grape Growers Council and the Barossa Viticulture Technical Group. He also has a track record for being one of the most innovative growers in the Barossa.

George Fairbrother Memorial plaque unveiled

Sons, Peter and David Fairbrother unveiled the memorial plaque in honour of their late father George Fairbrother who was inducted a Baron in 1976. He was a wine show judge in all capital cities for 30 years and for 21 of those years as Chairman of Judges.
 
So what of 2014

Baron Louisa Rose gave her much awaited forecast for the 2014 vintage. For her full report click here.