Peter Lehmann WINES

Born and raised in Barossa Valley, Peter Lehmann began his winemaking career at the Yalumba winery and later became the chief winemaker at Saltram Wines. In 1979, he founded Peter Lehmann Wines, driven by his commitment to support local grape growers during a challenging period when many faced financial difficulties due to contract cancellations.

Lehmann earned the nickname 'Baron of Barossa' for his understanding of wine trends, passion for Shiraz (the region's flagship grape), and dedication to the Barossa Valley. Known for his strong work ethic and warm personality, he was instrumental in developing wines that gained international acclaim, particularly his Shiraz offerings like the Stonewell Shiraz.

Peter Lehmann’s legacy as a pioneer and protector of the Barossa Valley’s wine heritage continues through his winery, which remains a symbol of quality and innovation. He passed away in June 2013, but his impact on the Australian wine industry endures.

Peter Lehmann Wines was founded on Peter’s rebellious spirit.

While working as a chief winemaker at Saltram Wines, he ignored orders to stop buying grapes from local growers out of concern about the growers’ livelihoods. Instead, he raised the money to continue buying the grapes and sold the wine to other wineries. A new winery – the Masterton winery – was created for this new business, which was run by Peter’s wife, Margaret.

When Saltram was sold to a new owner, they refused to allow Peter to continue this arrangement. Peter decided to establish his own winery, and Peter Lehmann Wines was born.

The first Peter Lehmann wine was a powerful Shiraz called The Futures, launched in 1979. Their most famous Shiraz wine, the Stonewell, was released in 1987. It was allegedly ‘hidden’ by Peter and his winemaking friend Andrew Wigan for five years so it could age to perfection. In 1989, Peter won the prestigious Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy for his 1989 Stonewell vintage.

Peter Lehmann retired as chairman in 2002 and his son Doug took over the role.

Peter Lehmann Wines is based in Barossa Valley, South Australia.

Barossa Valley is a haven for winemakers thanks to its rolling hills and valleys, diverse soil types and Mediterranean climate. A number of grape varieties thrive in Barossa Valley, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache, but the star of the region is Shiraz.

This wine region also has an international reputation for being one of the most innovative and creative in experimenting with new winemaking technologies.

The most famous and premium Peter Lehmann wine is Stonewell Shiraz. This wine is made using smaller, darker Shiraz grapes found in specific vineyards. Nicknamed ‘little black jewels’ by Lehmann, these grapes are intensely flavoured and picked when slightly riper. They create black, full-bodied wines with strong tannins and notes of blueberry, plum, cherry and graphite. The Stonewell wines are famous for their ability to age gracefully, becoming more delicious and expressive over time.

Peter Lehmann Wines also produces an uncommon sparkling Shiraz wine called Black Queen. It’s indulgent, bright and balanced, with silky tannins and festive notes of red fruits, blackberry jam, Christmas spices and chocolate.

Peter Lehmann also makes other wines using popular grape varieties, including Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache.

As of 2014, all Peter Lehmann red wines have been marked as suitable for vegans to enjoy. This is because these wines are not fined and, therefore, haven’t come into contact with fining agents, which may not be vegan-friendly.

However, Peter Lehmann white wines are not vegan-friendly, as casein (a milk protein) is used during the fining process, and trace amounts could remain in the finished wine.

The Barossa Valley wine region is known for its innovative winemakers and vineyards committed to sustainability and greener winemaking practices. Peter Lehmann Wines is no exception and takes steps to reduce its environmental impact.

The winery is involved in the Wildlife for Wines initiative, which aims to increase the number of native plants and trees planted in the area and protect native fauna. This is important not only for future generations but also to actively integrate biodiversity into the vineyard’s winemaking operations.

The Peter Lehmann winery in Barossa Valley is open to the public five days a week.

The cellar door, part of the main winery and built in the 1880s, is surrounded by stunning natural scenery. It’s the ideal spot for sharing a premium Peter Lehmann wine and a platter of local produce. Visitors can choose from several wine-tasting options, from 45-minute introductory sessions to group tastings for those who wish to explore the diversity of the Barossa Valley region.

There is also a variety of charming and stylish event spaces available to hire for weddings, corporate evenings or private wine tastings. You can choose from several packages to suit your needs.