But beyond the familiar lies a quieter revolution: a fresh wave of winemakers who are either stepping away from their family roots or, in many cases, have no lineage in wine at all. On a recent visit, I had the chance to experience this new guard for myself, individuals with bold ideas, pure passion, and a desire to honour the land in their own unique ways.
My first stop was Yelland & Papps, a winery run by a couple who began their journey in 2005 with no family history in the wine industry. They purchased an 1846 cottage, rich with six generations of stories, not to continue a legacy, but to start their own. Their approach is refreshingly hands-on, with full control from vine to bottle. They focus on small-batch, basket-pressed wines inspired by Burgundy, with a particular emphasis on Grenache and Roussanne. The wines are all under 14% alcohol, wild-fermented, and crafted in response to the fruit itself, almost like composing a dish from scratch each season. Their method of picking fruit twice, early and late, creates nuanced layers of freshness and ripeness. I tasted a Shiraz that felt entirely different from the bold, brooding styles the Barossa is known for. It was leaner, more like a Syrah from the Northern Rhône. It felt like a completely new voice in a region often thought to speak in a single tone.
That evening, I attended the Barons of the Barossa dinner, an occasion celebrating those who’ve made significant contributions to the region across wine, gastronomy, culture, and the arts. Among the four new inductees were siblings Anson and Corrine Mui. With no family background in wine, their dedication as educators, mentors, and global representatives of the Barossa Wine School has left a mark. Their joint induction was more than symbolic, it was a sign that the region is not only embracing change but actively celebrating it.
Driving up Trial Hill Road, home to what’s often called the most beautiful vineyard in Australia, I visited Alex Head of Head Wines. With a background in science and no familial ties to the industry, Alex’s entry into wine came from sheer curiosity and a deepening love for the craft. Now producing award-winning wines from his terraced vineyard of Wilton Hill, voted the most beautiful vineyard in Australia, Alex took us through a blending session that was both educational and inspiring. He used his single varietal wines to recreate blends based on classic Old World styles like Vieux Télégraphe and Domaine Tempier. It was eye-opening to see how shifting proportions could transform a wine entirely, and a reminder that great winemaking is as much about instinct and experimentation as it is about terroir.
Later, while grabbing a much-needed coffee at Jacobs Creek, the young woman behind the counter mentioned her favourite winery, David Franz. She lit up talking about how this particular label felt more approachable and fun, especially for her generation, Gen Z. What I didn’t realise was that David Franz is actually the son of Peter Lehmann, one of the Barossa’s most legendary figures. But instead of trading on the family name, David has gone his own way, intentionally leaving the legacy out of his branding to connect with a new, younger audience on his own terms. That decision alone says a lot about where the region is headed, toward authenticity, individuality, and relevance.
On my final day, I served as a spotter at the Barossa Wine Auction, hosted in partnership with Langton’s. The range of wines up for bidding was mind-blowing, some fetching as much as $40,000+. A percentage of the proceeds support the Barossa Australia Wellbeing Fund, which helps those in the industry access mental health and resilience resources. The Auction proceeds also support the Barossa Vintage Festival, the region’s much-loved celebration of all things wine, food, and community. From grape stomping competitions to music in the vines and bustling markets, it’s a blend of tradition and openness, where everyone’s invited, no matter their background, to celebrate what makes the Barossa truly special.
There’s something powerful happening in the Barossa right now. While the great family names continue to carry the torch, new generations are lighting their own fires, some adding fresh chapters to their family stories, others starting from scratch. What unites them is a deep respect for the region, a passion for winemaking, and a drive to be true to themselves. It’s no longer just about preserving history; it’s about making it.
This blog is written by Teri van Aalst, the Wine Communicators of Australia Wine Media Cadet.
The cadetship is supported by the Great Wine Capitals Adelaide, South Australia chapter, which is a partnership between the Government of South Australia (South Australian Tourism Commission and the Department of Primary Industries and Regions), the South Australian Wine Industry Association, and the University of Adelaide.
Thanks to Barossa Australia for hosting Teri.
Photos: Teri van Aalst