Members in Focus

Peter Lehmann Wines

Due to the great fruit surplus of 1977, the winery Peter Lehmann worked for cancelled a number of agreements with long-term growers. Peter knew this would be detrimental to the growers and the future of the entire wine region would be compromised.

As a side project, Peter took the surplus grapes, which was considered a massive gamble by virtually everyone in the Barossa. He named this project "Masterson" after the most famous gambler of all – the Guys and Dolls character Sky Masterson. In 1979, Peter started the company which has since evolved into Peter Lehmann Wines. In doing so, he committed to helping the growers he had long-standing relationships with. All business was done with a handshake and Peter's word was his bond. These were tough years but led by Peter, the Barossa community pulled together to continue to make great wine and preserve the future of the Barossa region.

Today, Peter Lehmann Wines brings unmatched diversity, uniqueness and quality from more than 800 hand-tended vineyards across the length and breadth of all 14 Barossa sub-regions. From the valley floor to the elevated sites of the Eden Valley, our winemakers work closely with over 140 growers in the Barossa. The quality of Peter Lehmann wines are a testament to our strong relationships, allowing us access to the region's most unique and finest grapes.

One of the shining features at the Peter Lehmann winery is the laboratory which was recognised as the 'Patrick Iland Laboratory of the Year' in 2018 for their ongoing commitment to quality and exceptional proficiency. Historically, the laboratory was operated by two permanent staff members and supported by casual employees during the busy vintage period. With an increased annual grape crush in recent years (up to 26,000 tonnes), the laboratory now employs three permanent staff members, including Darren Schutz, Laboratory Supervisor, who has been working with Peter Lehmann Wines for 30 years, Brie Lowke (beginning 2011) and Sarah Rohrlach (beginning 2015). The laboratory performs the winery's day-to-day wine analysis, as well as offering assistance to a number of smaller Barossa-based wineries through contract analysis.