About Elderton

Elderton Wines is a small, family-owned and operated winery, situated in Nuriootpa, in the heart of the Barossa Valley.

Elderton was the name given to a vineyard that was first planted on the banks of the North Para River in Nuriootpa in 1894 by early German settlers, the Scholz family. In 1916, it was purchased by Samuel Elderton Tolley who built himself a sprawling homestead on the Estate and sold the fruit to his family’s winery. It was run successfully for many years, but became derelict in the early years of the vine pull (circa 1975).

“If you buy the house, I will give you the surrounding 72 acres of old vines for nothing”. This was the proposal offered to Lorraine and Neil Ashmead in 1979. The rambling old homestead looked ideal for a growing family and the Ashmead’s worked tirelessly to salvage and restore a phenomenal treasure of a vineyard. In 1982 the first wine was made under the Elderton Label. Tough times prevailed, but ultimately the vision of the founders shone through and Elderton is today celebrated as a major reason for the rejuvenation of the Barossa.

In 1993, Elderton shot to Australian national prominence after winning the Jimmy Watson Trophy. International success ensued, including the World’s Best Shiraz Trophy at the 2000 London International Wine & Spirits Competition. Media accolades have also been extensive, including: five-star winery rating from James Halliday in his 2016 Wine Companion book (as well as the six previous editions); wines named in Matthew Jukes Top 100 Best Wines in Australia in 2014, 2011 and 2009; and being named in the Top 100 Wineries in the World, Wine & Spirits Magazine 2005.

The wines of the Elderton Nuriootpa vineyard are enjoyed globally for their richness, vibrancy and uniqueness. They are celebrated for being traditional examples of the best of the Barossa.

The second generation took the reins of the business in 2003. Brothers Cameron and Allister believe very strongly in continuing the traditions that began a generation earlier, on the Nuriootpa vineyard. Wanting to take the family company to the next level, they together devised a plan to buy great vineyards in other significant sub-appellations of the Barossa.

Through using sustainable practices, the hope is that the next generation of the Ashmead family have a lot to work with when they are at the helm. In 2007 a great little vineyard in the Eden Valley was purchased and this was followed in 2010 by the purchase of a vineyard on the northeast corner of Greenock. The intention of making wines from these exceptional vineyard sites is to celebrate the differing terroirs of the Barossa and showcase the absolute best that the Barossa has to offer.