How does an abandoned vineyard in Nuriootpa transform into one of Australia’s most celebrated family-owned wineries?
In a recent episode of the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, host Anna Webster sits down with our Co-Managing Director, Allister Ashmead, to share the deep history, family resilience, and defining moments that have shaped Elderton Wines into what it is today.
From Bathtub Wine to the Jimmy Watson Trophy
The episode takes a trip back to the very beginning—including Neil and Lorraine Ashmead’s early wine-making experiments in Saudi Arabia—before tracing their return to Australia and the purchase of our historic Nuriootpa homestead surrounded by neglected old vines.
Allister reflects on:
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The Early Struggles & Breakthroughs: Working alongside legendary winemaker Peter Lehmann to launch our first vintages.
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Command Shiraz: The history of our flagship vineyard, planted back in 1894, and why these 130-year-old vines continue to produce such powerful, resilient fruit.
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The 1993 Jimmy Watson Victory: Winning Australia's most coveted wine trophy and how it cemented Elderton's place on the national stage.
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Family Legacy & Evolution: The decision for Allister and Cameron to step into leadership, keeping the family vision alive while pushing for continuous quality.
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Generational Wines: The personal stories behind Ode to Lorraine and Sixfold Shiraz, which look to the past matriarch and forward to the next generation of Ashmeads.
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Modern Style: How winemakers Julie Ashmead and Brock Harrison are fine-tuning the portfolio to introduce dynamic freshness and finesse to our classic Barossa styles.
Listen Now
Whether you are a longtime fan of Command Shiraz or looking for an inside glimpse into multi-generational family winemaking, this episode offers a warm, candid, and insightful conversation.
Have a listen on your next drive or while enjoying a glass of Elderton Shiraz—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
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