Ben Schild Reserve Barossa Shiraz 2019

Ben and Alma Schild moved to the Barossa Valley in 1952, acquiring their first vineyard near Rowland Flat where the original homestead is still situated. Tragically, Ben died suddenly in 1956 leaving son Ed, the youngest of eight children and the only son living at home, to run the family property at the age of 16.

Ed Schild’s love for the region, and its variety of landscapes and ecosystems, saw him steadily grow vineyard holdings to over 450 acres under vine today, all cultivated under the expert eye of his son Mick. He purchased the Tweedies Gully vineyard in 1977, noting that with its westerly aspect, high altitude and sandy loam soils, the vineyard was a perfect fit for premium Riesling production. Taking advantage of the cooling afternoon winds, particularly in the summer, the vineyard shows a number of characters more akin to its close neighbour, Eden Valley.

Schild Estate Wines were produced offsite until the new state-of-the-art Valley of Hope Winery was opened in 2010, with 2011 the first complete vintage to come through its doors, under the charge of Chief Winemaker Scott Hazeldine. Ed and Lorraine have four children and eight grandchildren which ensures a strong family focus within the day to day running of the winery today.