Beginnings
The region was named Barrosa after the site of an English victory in the Spanish Peninsula War, but with a mis-spelling on official documents became the 'Barossa'. The promise of freedom and opportunity quickly brought settlers to the region. English migrants settled at Lyndoch in 1840, with a group of more than 200 Germans following two years later.
The dissident Lutherans from Silesia, Brandenberg, Prussia and Posen sought religious freedom, and leased land from the South Australian Company and set about creating a new life. Settling on Tanunda Creek, they developed Bethany, a typical agrarian Prussian village, or 'Hufendorf'. Farms were laid out as long, narrow strips of land, with the creek running through each property, and dwellings and farm buildings built near the road. Other Lutheran villages were created at Langmeil and Light Pass, while English settlement boomed at Angaston and in the Barossa Ranges.
Hard-working peasants, the Lutherans brought with them their traditional farming methods and the belief in self-sufficiency. Each property housed livestock and poultry, and was planted with a fruit orchard, vegetables and a few grapevines that thrived in the rich Barossa soil. Wine became a part of life for the Lutheran settlers and grape growing developed as a fundamental agricultural activity. The region's viticultural potential was also recognised by the wealthy English gentry, who set about developing a commercial wine industry.
By the 1890s Barossa wine was being exported to England and wine production soon became the region's predominant industry. Its success was a partnership between growers and winemakers - helped by the Barossa's superior soil and climate. Their intimate knowledge of the land saw local growers produce grapes of outstanding intensity and flavour that were crafted into wines of exceptional quality. Its reputation grew, and the name Barossa soon became synonymous with premium wine production and as Australia's most famous wine region. These are just some of the threads that make up the historic tapestry of the Barossa, a richly textured community with a distinctive culture. Today the Barossa reflects all of these elements, combining the traditions of 160 years with 21st century creativity and comfort. Like a good Barossa wine, it's a classic blend and it's right here ready for the tasting.
