Next Event
Saturday 16th May 2026
Saturday Afternoons@Annata is another Annata Dining Experience which combines gourmet grazing style food and wine tasting in one event. Chat with our wine expert hosts and fellow wine lovers as you taste and learn about beautiful new wines; all while enjoying a range of beautiful gourmet grazing foods. How good can Saturday afternoon be at Annata?
2026 Kaeslar Vintage Release
Eight Wines on Tasting
Our May tasting presents a compelling afternoon dedicated to one of the Barossa Valley’s most enduring and respected producers, Kaesler Wines. This is not simply a tasting; it is a focused exploration of vineyard heritage, regional identity and the quiet authority of old vine Barossa fruit. Hosted by popular wine expert Nick Barlow, this tasting will showcase the newly released Kaesler range made by Senior Winemaker, Stephen Dew.
Kaesler’s story is deeply embedded in the Barossa. Established in 1893, the estate is defined by its old vine vineyards, many planted well over a century ago. These vines produce fruit of natural concentration and balance, requiring little manipulation in the winery. The result is a portfolio that reflects both power and control; wines that speak clearly of site, season and vine age. This tasting offers a rare opportunity to experience the full breadth of the Kaesler range, from the precision of Clare Valley whites through to the structure and depth of Barossa reds. It is a line-up that moves with intent; each wine building on the last, revealing the layered nature of South Australian terroir.
As an optional accompaniment to the tasting, Executive Chef Jordon Garcia will present a refined gourmet charcuterie selection; designed to complement the wines and enhance the sensory experience.
Date: Saturday 16th May 2026
Tasting Sessions at noon, 1pm and 2 pm
Gourmet Food Grazing - $40
Wine Tasting - $25 or
free for Annata Wine Lovers Members.
All dietary needs will be met
Wine Tasting Plan
2025 Kaesler Stonehorse Riesling, Clare Valley
2024 Kaesler Old Vine Semillon, Barossa valley
2025 Kaesler Stonehorse Chardonnay, Clare Valley
2024 The Fave Grenache – Barossa Valley
2023 The Avignon GSM – Barossa Valley
2023 Old Vine Shiraz – Barossa Valley
2023 Age of Light Cabernet – Barossa Valley
2022 The Old Bastard – Barossa Valley
KAESLLAR WINES
HISTORY
The story of Kaesler Wines is not simply the history of a winery; it is a story of land, migration, survival and, ultimately, renewal. It reflects the broader arc of the Barossa Valley itself, where European tradition met Australian conditions to create one of the world’s most distinctive wine regions.
Origins — Silesian Settlement and the Birth of a Vineyard (1840s–1893)
The foundations of Kaesler begin in the mid-19th century, when Silesian immigrants arrived in South Australia seeking religious freedom and a new life. Like many German-speaking settlers of the Barossa, the Kaesler family brought with them a deep understanding of agriculture and a commitment to working the land.
By 1891, the family had secured approximately 96 acres in what is now the heart of the Barossa Valley. Within two years, they had fully planted the property to vine, establishing Shiraz, Grenache, Mataro and white varieties across the estate.
By 1893, the vineyard was complete; a defining moment that still anchors the estate today. Some of these original plantings, particularly the Shiraz vines, continue to survive. These dry-grown, low-yielding vines form the backbone of Kaesler’s most significant wines and are among the oldest continuously producing vineyards in Australia.
Mixed Farming and Quiet Continuity (Early 20th Century)
Like many Barossa properties of the time, Kaesler was not solely a vineyard. It operated as a mixed farm, with vines sharing space alongside livestock and fruit orchards. Over time, sections of vineyard were removed to support these broader agricultural activities.
Despite this, the core of the vineyard endured. Additional Grenache was planted in the 1930s, followed by Shiraz plantings through the 1960s and 1970s.
This period was not defined by commercial wine branding or global ambition. Instead, it was about continuity; maintaining the land and preserving the vineyard through decades when much of Australia’s wine industry focused on fortified styles and bulk production.
The significance of this era lies in what was not done. The oldest vines were not removed. They were preserved, almost incidentally, and would later become the defining asset of the estate.
End of Family Ownership and Transition (Late 20th Century)
After decades under Kaesler family control, ownership eventually passed out of the family’s hands. While sources vary on the exact timing, it is clear that by the late 20th century the original family era had come to an end.
This transition reflects a broader shift in Australian wine during this period. Many historic vineyards were either sold, consolidated or repurposed as the industry moved toward modern commercial structures.
For Kaesler, this could easily have been the end of its identity as a vineyard of significance. Instead, it marked the beginning of its modern chapter.
The Turning Point — 1999 and the Rebirth of Kaesler
The defining moment in Kaesler’s modern history came in 1999, when a group led by winemaker Reid Bosward and entrepreneur Ed Peter acquired the property.
At the time of purchase, the vineyard was already remarkable:
Over 70% of vines were more than 40 years old
Significant plantings dated back decades, with some blocks over a century old
The site retained its original Barossa structure and layout
Bosward immediately recognised the importance of what had been preserved. Rather than replanting or modernising the vineyard, the new owners focused on regeneration and elevation.
Their approach was deliberate:
Restore and revitalise old vine blocks
Transition from grape growing to estate wine production
Focus on single vineyard expression
Build a premium brand around vineyard heritage
This shift transformed Kaesler from a quiet agricultural property into a serious Barossa producer.
Old Vines as Identity — Defining the Kaesler Style
Central to Kaesler’s rise has been its old vine material. These vines, some dating back to 1893, produce naturally low yields and highly concentrated fruit.
This is not something that can be replicated. It is the result of time, survival through changing agricultural practices and careful stewardship.
The flagship wine, The Old Bastard, is drawn from these ancient Shiraz vines. It stands as a direct link to the original plantings of the 19th century and embodies the philosophy of the estate; power derived from age, not manipulation.
Kaesler’s wines became known for depth and concentration, structural integrity and a balance between Barossa richness and controlled winemaking. This positioning placed the winery firmly within the premium tier of Barossa producers.
Expansion and Modernisation
Following the 1999 acquisition, Kaesler entered a period of growth and refinement. The estate expanded its reach, with associated interests and vineyard sourcing extending beyond the Barossa into regions such as Clare Valley and McLaren Vale.
At the same time, winemaking evolved:
greater focus on parcel selection
improved vineyard management
refinement of oak regimes and structure
The wines maintained their Barossa identity but moved toward greater precision and consistency.
Current Ownership and Direction
Today, Kaesler is no longer a small family farm, but it has retained a clear connection to its origins. The estate is owned by an investment group with strong ties to premium Australian wine, including ownership of other respected labels.
This ownership structure has provided financial stability, long-term investment in vineyard health and the ability to maintain and protect old vine resources.
Importantly, the philosophy has remained consistent. The focus is not on volume, but on, estate-grown fruit, vineyard integrity and wines that reflect site rather than trend.
Modern practices at Kaesler now include regenerative farming, aimed at improving soil health and sustainability while preserving the longevity of the vineyard.
Kaesler Today — A Balance of Heritage and Control
Kaesler today represents a particular strength of Australian wine; the ability to take historic vineyard material and present it with clarity and intent.
The estate remains defined by its old vines, its Barossa location and its continuity from the 19th century to the present day.
Few producers can trace a direct line from original plantings in the 1890s through to modern premium wine production. Fewer still have chosen to protect that legacy rather than replace it.
Conclusion
The history of Kaesler is one of quiet significance. It does not rely on a single moment of fame, but on the accumulation of time, decisions and restraint. From Silesian pioneers in the 1840s, to vineyard establishment in 1893, through decades of mixed farming and eventual rebirth in 1999, the estate has evolved without losing its core identity.
Today, Kaesler stands as a custodian of Barossa history. Its wines are not simply products of a modern winery; they are expressions of vineyards that have endured for more than a century. That is its true pedigree.
