James March

James has the role of heading up the ‘Barossa Australia’ team – a group that advocates for all things Barossa and is charged with taking our amazing region and incredible wines to the world. Much like a game of chess, James relishes the challenge of planning, strategising and executing plans that bring the focus back on our region and the rewards that come with it.

James has had a long-time worldview. After toying with the ideas of politics and possibly becoming a military intelligence officer and joining the diplomatic corp, he decided on wine. He worked vintages in Europe and travelled extensively – developing his knowledge and understanding of some of the world’s best wines and wine marketing.

James loves his role as the chief executive of Barossa Australia and being back and representing the region where he was raised. I caught up with James in his Nana’s ‘Good Room’ at the March family’s historic, high-altitude property ‘Heathvale’ at Eden Valley. This is the place where he cut his teeth, growing and making wine with his father. 

James introduced me to some special wines and books (including The Winemakers’ essential phrase book – a book James penned himself!) that symbolise his connection to the world’s wine regions and the influences each has had on his life and work.