THE NEW GUARD OF BAROSSA
23 April, 2025 – Teri van Aalst, Wine Media Cadet
When you think of the Barossa, it’s easy to picture the grand old wineries that have become institutions, names passed down through generations, steeped in tradition and built on decades of hard work and pride
But beyond the familiar lies a quieter revolution: a fresh wave of winemakers who are either stepping away from their family roots or, in many cases, have no lineage in wine at all. On a recent visit, I had the chance to experience this new guard for myself, individuals with bold ideas, pure passion, and a desire to honour the land in their own unique ways.
My first stop was Yelland & Papps, a winery run by a couple who began their journey in 2005 with no family history in the wine industry. They purchased an 1846 cottage, rich with six generations of stories, not to continue a legacy, but to start their own. Their approach is refreshingly hands-on, with full control from vine to bottle. They focus on small-batch, basket-pressed wines inspired by Burgundy, with a particular emphasis on Grenache and Roussanne. The wines are all under 14% alcohol, wild-fermented, and crafted in response to the fruit itself, almost like composing a dish from scratch each season. Their method of picking fruit twice, early and late, creates nuanced layers of freshness and ripeness. I tasted a Shiraz that felt entirely different from the bold, brooding styles the Barossa is known for. It was leaner, more like a Syrah from the Northern Rhône. It felt like a completely new voice in a region often thought to speak in a single tone.
https://adelaidegreatwinecapital.com.au/blog/blog_posts/the_new_guard_of_barossa