Show Notes
How did an abandoned Barossa vineyard become one of Australia’s most recognised family-owned wineries?
In this episode of the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast, Anna Webster sits down with Allister Ashmead, co-managing director of Elderton Wines, to uncover the remarkable family story behind this Barossa icon.
The Elderton journey began when Allister’s parents, Neil and Lorraine Ashmead, returned from Saudi Arabia and moved into a historic Nuriootpa homestead surrounded by neglected old vines. Disillusioned by grape growing, they began producing wine with the help of legendary Barossa winemaker Peter Lehmann.
Allister shares stories from Elderton’s early years, including his parents’ homemade bathtub wine in Saudi Arabia, the creation of Command Shiraz and the 1993 Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy victory that helped secure the winery’s future.
He also speaks candidly about the profound loss experienced by the Ashmead family, the strength of his mother Lorraine and the decision he and his brother Cameron made to return home and continue their parents’ legacy.
Today, Elderton produces wine from its own vineyards across Nuriootpa, Greenock and Mengler Hill. Allister explains how these distinctive sites shape the wines, why the 130-year-old Command Shiraz vines remain so resilient and how winemakers Julie Ashmead and Brock Harrison are bringing greater freshness and finesse to classic Barossa styles.
The conversation also explores the touching story behind Ode to Lorraine, secretly created in honour of the family matriarch, and Sixfold Shiraz, named for the six members of Elderton’s next generation.
In this episode: The origins of Elderton Wines.
Homemade wine adventures in Saudi Arabia.
Restoring an abandoned Barossa vineyard.
Creating Command Shiraz from vines planted in 1894.
Winning the 1993 Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy.
The Ashmead family’s resilience and succession story.
The meaning behind Ode to Lorraine and Sixfold Shiraz.
Why old vines produce such distinctive wines.
How Elderton is preparing for the next generation.
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About the guest Allister Ashmead is co-managing director of Elderton Wines, leading the family-owned Barossa winery alongside his brother Cameron. He returned to the business to help establish its winery, expand its estate vineyards and continue the legacy created by his parents, Neil and Lorraine Ashmead.
Discover Elderton Wines: https://eldertonwines.com.au/ Follow Elderton Wines on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eldertonwines/ Elderton on Halliday Wine Companion: Read the winery profile Meet the Ashmead family: Read the Elderton family story
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