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Hello
The Barossa is home to several of the world's oldest surviving vineyards, with some dating to the 1840s. Even then, geologist and mineralogist Johannes Menge was convinced by the possibilities for viticulture and assisted in resettling German Lutheran immigrants from Adelaide to help cultivate the Barossa Valley.
As with those European settlers, the Barossa's journey has not always been a straightforward one. It has encountered many hurdles en route to becoming, arguably, Australia's premier and a world-renowned wine region. None more significant than the 1980s, when at its lowest point, Barossa grape growers received just $150 per tonne of Shiraz, and oversupply loomed. The South Australian Government felt the Barossa lacked sufficient water, grew old-fashioned varieties in ageing vineyards, and viticulture was no longer viable. Their suggestion was to pay growers $1,500 per acre to rip out their vines and make way for five-acre housing blocks, irrevocably transforming the rural landscape.
A group of local like-minded individuals rallied to save their beloved Barossa and 140 years of viticultural history, prompting them to start the Barossa Region Residents' Association. After lobbying the local council and state government, they found their champions and soon, the association grew to more than 600 members. The politicians could see what they were proposing was reasonable and had real merit. The plan still informs policy today, including the Character Preservation (Barossa Valley) Act 2012 PDF, and continues to serve the region well. It has underpinned the Barossa's rise from the ashes of the 1980s to the pinnacle of Australian fine wine.
Langmeil Winery takes inspiration from its predecessors and their philosophies that have strengthened the Barossa, their sentiments deeply ingrained within us. Hence in 2006, we saved a 140-year-old vineyard from destruction to make way for housing by transplanting the vines to our property one kilometre away. When we shared this story, we were humbled by how many people wanted to help us save the vines by paying to become an orphaned vine parent. It is symbolic of how we could preserve this incredible old vine resource with people on the same wavelength. It demonstrated people's genuine care and connection to the region. Fifteen years later, this vineyard is thriving on the banks of the North Para River. The Orphan Bank Shiraz was born and became my father's favourite wine.
The Orphan Bank Shiraz is a Barossa Survivor Vine wine on The Barossa Old Vine Charter. The vineyard has reached a significant milestone and pays homage to the unwavering commitment of those growers and winemakers who value the quality and structure of old vine wines. For more information about Orphan Bank Shiraz or to place an order, please click HERE.
More than thirty years later, the Barossa Region Residents' Association is still going strong. However, there is a renewed threat from possible changes to planning which may minimise the community's voice. Once again, there are potential developments that could change the very nature of the Barossa forever. The Barossa Region Residents' Association is not anti-development but advocates for sympathetic and complementary new projects which add value to the Barossa's precious landscapes, towns and communities.
This time, the Barossa Region Residents' Association welcomes those who would like to become friends of the Barossa. People who share the community's views can join and help maintain the authentic character of the Barossa for generations to come. The guiding principle, as always, is to leave the Barossa better for the next generation.
To quote a Greek proverb, Langmeil Winery Cellar Door Manager Jonathan Bitter is fond of, 'A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.'
Please click HERE for more information about the Barossa Region Residents' Association or to become a friend.
Kind regards,
James Lindner
Access our Members Special Offers page HERE. The Special Offers page is only accessible using the link and is not visable when visiting our website.
Join us during the month of August for ...a little more Barossa...! There's over 70 events across the Barossa and the full program can be viewed HERE
Langmeil will be showcasing the Freedom Experience with Jonathan at the helm!
1 session each Fiday in August from 10am to 12.30pm. (Friday 6th August already SOLD OUT). Tickets still available for the 13th, 20th and 27th August. Book your ticket HERE
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