Barossa is home to some of the oldest continuously producing vineyards in the world.

In 2009, the Barossa Old Vine Charter was instituted to register vineyards by age, so that older vines could be preserved, retained and promoted.

These old vines have grown beyond adolescence and are now fully mature. They have a root structure and trunk thickness that encourages diversity of flavour and character. Their worthiness has been proven over many vintages, consistently producing the highest quality fruit for Barossa wines of distinction and longevity.

EXAMPLES

These very old vines are a living symbol of traditional values in a modern environment and signal a renewed respect for Barossa old vine material. They have weathered the worst of many storms, both man-made and naturally occurring, including the infamous 1980s Vine Pull scheme. A Barossa Survivor vine has reached a significant milestone and pays homage to the resolute commitment of those growers and winemakers who value the quality and structure of old vine wines.

EXAMPLES

These exceptionally old vines serve as witness to Barossa’s resilience in the face of adversity. Barossa, unlike many other of the world’s great wine regions, is phylloxera-free, which allowed these vines to mature into their naturally-sculptured forms with thick, gnarly trunks. They have very low yields and can produce wines with high intensity of flavour. Planted generations ago, when dry-farming techniques required careful site selection, Centenarian vines have truly withstood the tes of time.

An Ancestor vine has stood strong and proud for at least one hundred and twenty five years – a living tribute to the early European settlers of Barossa. Their genetic material has helped to populate the region with irreplaceable old stocks that underpin the viticultural tradition. They tend to be dry-grown, low-yielding vines with great intensity of flavour, and are believed to be among the oldest producing vines in the world.

EXAMPLES

  • Cirillo Estate, 1850 Grenache, Barossa Valley
  • Hewitson, Old Garden Mourvèdre, Koch Family Pilgrim Vineyard, Barossa, 1853
  • Langmeil, The Freedom 1843 Shiraz, Barossa Valley
  • Henschke, Hill of Grace Shiraz, Eden Valley
  • Penfolds, Block 42 Cabernet Sauvignon, Barossa Valley
  • Poonawatta Estate, The 1880 Shiraz, Eden Valley
  • Chateau Tanunda, 150 Year Old Vine Semillon, Barossa Valley
  • Elderton, Command Single Vineyard Shiraz, Barossa Valley
  • Turkey Flat, The Ancestor Shiraz, Barossa Valley
  • Yalumba The Tri-Centenary Grenache, Barossa Valley, planted 1889