Vineyard for free - the story of how the Ashmead family of Elderton Wines came to be custodians of one of the Barossa's old vine treasure troves, remains relatively unknown.
After time spent working in Saudi Arabia, Neil and Lorraine Ashmead, moved to the Barossa in 1979, after Lorraine's father identified a beautiful home with potential. The homestead, in the heart of the township of Nuriootpa, was surrounded by extremely old Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon vines.
At a time where demand for Australian table wine was negligible, the vineyard had become derelict. After years of no interest, the real estate agent eventually offered the Ashmead’s the 72 acre vineyard as a bonus, as part of the sale of the homestead. 3 years later, after restoring the vineyard, Elderton Wines was born.
Today, the Elderton estate vineyard produces some of Australia's most iconic wines, including the internationally renowned Command Shiraz. Today, Cameron and Allister continue their parents passion for this remarkable plot of old vines, on which is now considered some of the most prized grape growing soil on the planet.