Food and Wine

Winding its way westward from Tanunda, Stonewell Road provides a glimpse of an ancient soil profile as the hill rises gently and the road cuts through to reveal ochre coloured horizons.

Ron Liebich walks into Liebichwein’s Cellar Door, wearing shorts, tee-shirt and trademark pair of snips clipped to his leather belt. He’s somewhat chirpy today because this Rowland Flat winemaker/grapegrower has just completed his 54th vintage and he reckons it’s a good one too.

In the foothills of the Barossa Ranges, the sun sets over the village of Krondorf. The broad western sky is streaked with orange and peach, while late autumn vines quiver in the last of the fragile light.

When it comes to family endeavours, the name says it all for Trevor and Marilyn Harch, owners of Brockenchack Wines. A combination of letters from their four grandchildren’s names, BROnte, MaCKENzie, CHArli and JaCK, adorn their labels, with the brand not only celebrating the couple’s inspiration, but also providing a glimpse into the future of their vision turned reality.

There’s a sparkle of pride in the eyes of Peter Scholz when he talks of his family’s long history, but it shines even brighter when he talks of its future.

“As long as it isn’t pink!” was the only rule Leon Koch insisted on when his family was deciding on a colour for their new tractor.

For the footy-loving Schiller family, the adrenalin rush of finishing a hectic vintage isn’t too different from playing a Grand Final. Robert and his sons, Tom and Ben have each donned the boots for Tanunda over the years and whilst they are fiercely proud of their long association with the Magpies; off-field, it’s the land their ancestors developed through the generations that deeply connects this trio.

Elderton Wines will celebrate its 40th vintage in 2021, and whilst heartbreak and adversity has stood in the path of the Ashmead family - the family behind the highly successful label - strength of character and unyielding determination to produce premium wine has prevailed.

Sixth generation grapegrower, Christine Canute says she’ll never forget the day she tasted the ’97 Grenache and ’96 Shiraz made from the fruit growing just outside their Vine Vale home.

Kyle’s spicing it up at Appellation