Shavaughn Wells Named a Baron of the Barossa

Saltram's winemaker Shavaughn Wells was inducted as a Baron of the Barossa at a dinner during the Barossa Vintage Festival last week. She and four others were recognised for their outstanding contribution to the profile of the South Australian wine region.

Barons of Barossa was founded by the Wine Fraternity in 1975 to establish a group of influential people from the local industry that supports the region's wine, viticulture, gastronomy, heritage and the arts. Membership to the Barons of Barossa is for life and by invitation only.

Wells has an extensive career in winemaking, during which she has been part of several initiatives to promote and strengthen the Barossa Valley.

Having grown up on a vineyard in Merbein, Victoria and seeing her grandfather in his own career as a winemaker and Managing Director of Mildara Wines, Wells decided to undertake an oenology degree at the University of Adelaide.

Her first vintages were at Mildara in Merbein in 1997 and in the late 1990s, she moved to Mildara's Coonawarra winery. From there, she went on to make wine for Yellowglen, Yarra Ridge, St Huberts and Wolf Blass.

Wells joined the team at Saltram in 2005 and in 2008, she received the esteemed Len Evans Scholarship. Three years ago, she won Winemaker of the Most Outstanding Red Wine at the Adelaide Wine Show and in 2016, was named Australian Winemaker of the Year by Winestate Magazine.

Wells has been on the Barossa Wine Show Committee for the last ten years and is currently co-Chairman, helping to improve the recognition of Barossa wine. She is also passionate about producing wines that are expressive of the region and broadening the varieties grown there.

Shavaughn commented, “The night was a wonderful celebration of the Barossa region and to be recognised and inducted as a Baron of Barossa on such a night was a true honour. I’m humbled.”

Other inductees included winemaker Julie Ashmead; educator, viticulturist and winemaker Trevor March; viticulturist and winemaker Rob Gibson; and co-Managing Director of Elderton Wines Cameron Ashmead.

Image: Shavaughn Wells
Photo credit: John Kruger