Guess who's back? It's time for another volume of the Legends of the Vine: Iconic Wineries of Australia series! It's impossible to talk about Australian winemaking history without diving into Peter Lehmann's world. Known as “the man who saved the Barossa Valley”, his legacy lives on in the wines produced today. His story of promise, compassion, and passion for winemaking led him to create one of the most well-known wine brands in Australia.
Unearthing the Roots
Peter Lehmann was born in 1930 in the Barossa Valley, South Australia. After finishing his studies, he grew up around wine and started working as a winemaker at Yalumba and then later at Saltram, where he acquired connections and skills to help him strike out independently.
Bucking the Trend
Lehmann's vision was to create wines true to their terroir and the people who made them. He believed in working closely with vineyard owners to produce the best possible fruit, with a minimal intervention winemaking philosophy. Thirty years later, the Lehmann winery now takes fruit from over a hundred Barossa growers and produces hundreds of thousands of cases yearly, with a solid international presence.
From Semillon to Shiraz
Lehmann's first wine under his label was the 1979 Semillon, which was well-received by critics and wine lovers alike. From there, Lehmann continued to create a range of high-quality wines, including Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Riesling. His flagship wine, the Stonewell Shiraz, is now one of the most sought-after wines in Australia.
Peter Lehmann to the Rescue
One of the defining moments of Peter Lehmann's career came in the early 1990s when a grape surplus forced many growers in the Barossa Valley to pull out their vines. Lehmann, who had built strong relationships with his growers over the years, refused to let this happen and took it upon himself to purchase the excess fruit. He then created a range of wines under the label "The Futures" and worked with distributors to sell them before they were even bottled. This move helped to save many vineyards from being destroyed and cemented Lehmann's reputation as a champion of the Barossa Valley.
Tasting a Legacy
Peter Lehmann passed away in 2013, but his legacy lives on. Now owned by Casella Family Brands, they continue to adhere to Lehmann's minimal intervention principles and work closely with growers. The winery produces a range of wines true to the Barossa Valley terroir, including the Stonewell Shiraz and the Margaret Semillon.
Remembering Peter Lehmann's Spirit
Peter Lehmann is a true legend in Australian winemaking, still impacting the industry today. His commitment to creating high-quality wines that reflected their terroir and the people who made them was unparalleled, and his legacy continues to inspire winemakers worldwide. The Peter Lehmann winery is a shining example of his dedication to the craft, and the best way to commemorate Peter is to raise a toast with a glass of his wine - grab your hands on some here today.