By Andy Young
Five new members have been inducted as Barons of Barossa, a wine fraternity in the region which aims to “proudly and enthusiastically support Barossa wine viticulture, gastronomy, heritage and the arts".
The new inductees include winemaker Shavaughn Wells; winemaker Julie Ashmead; educator, viticulturist and winemaker Trevor March; viticulturist and winemaker Rob Gibson; and co-Managing Director of Elderton Wines Cameron Ashmead.
Membership to the prestigious group is for life and by invitation only, with Wells saying: “The night was a wonderful celebration of the Barossa region and to be recognised and inducted as a Baron of Barossa on such a night was a true honour. I’m humbled.”
Wells has been making wines at Saltram Wines since 2005 and was recognised for her “outstanding contribution to the profile of the Barossa region in South Australia”.
It was a proud moment as well for the Elderton Wines team, with winemaker Julie Ashmead and co-Managing Director Cameron Ashmead both inducted.
Cameron has served the Barossa community by being on the board and Chairman of the Barossa Co-op (one of Australia’s largest co-operatives), chairing of the Nuriootpa Regional Community Association and being a director on the Barossa Foundation.
Rob Gibson worked as a winemaker at Penfolds for over 20 years before taking his knowledge and understanding to set up Gibson Wines and his own international consultancy in 1997.
Trevor March is another Barossa veteran, who set up the Wine Industry Training for TAFE SA, before re-establishing the winemaking at his Heathvale property and the Heathvale Wines label.
Barons of Barossa was founded in 1975 by a group of influential Barossa wine industry personalities. The group has a long philanthropic history and have initiated and funded numerous Barossa community projects. More recently the Barons launched the Barossa Cellar and the cellared premium wine, which represent the very best of each Barossa vintage and will be used for national and international promotions.
Today the Barons of Barossa are a recognised part of the fabric of Barossa culture and continue to play an important philanthropic and symbolic role.