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Kaesler History
The first owners of the Kaesler vineyards were Silesian pioneers who came to the Barossa Valley in the 1840s and took up 96 acres in 1891. By 1893 they had planted the entire acreage with Shiraz, Grenache, Mataro (Mourvedre) and White Hermitage vines. Some of the gnarled dry-grown Shiraz still remains and provides the backbone of the intense wines we produce.
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Over time, the Kaeslers pulled vines to plant fruit trees and to keep horses and cows. The site now home to the Kaesler Cellar Door; the old brick horse stable now holds a private tasting room, with Ernst Kaesler’s old house, now the Kaesler Cottages accommodation.
The remaining vines mostly consisted of red and fortified varieties, some Grenache added in the 1930’s and more Shiraz planted in the 60’s and 70’s. These plantings accounting for some of the celebrated aged Shiraz we produce today.
A Century of Tradition
The Kaesler vineyards were owned and operated by the Kaesler family from 1893 to 1986. In 1999, renowned agribusiness entrepreneur, Ed Peter and established winemaker Reid Bosward, together with business partners, seized the opportunity to purchase the property. They immediately set about regenerating the famous old vines and creating legendary wines. At this time, the Kaesler vineyards consisted of over 70% red wine vines, all 40 years of age or more.
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Having access to premium old vine material, the winemaking and viticulture team set out to produce bold estate wines representative of the Barossa Valley. The intensity of the old vine Shiraz was the inspiration behind the production of the “Old Bastard.” Classified as “Outstanding” by Langtons with its rich and intense fruit style, the Old Bastard Shiraz paved the way for Kaesler. A string of highly celebrated wines followed suit, including the ‘Alte Reben’ and ‘Old Vine’ Shiraz, the infamous ‘Bogan’ Shiraz, Avignon Grenache blend and the approachable Stonehorse range.
A 5 star James Halliday rated winery, the winemaking team with their distinct style and modest winemaking techniques, consistently produce wines rated over 90 points by industry peers and publications.
Green Statement
Our tertiary educated vineyard managers take the modern approach to sustainable farming, in that soil health is paramount; we regularly monitor soil health and pursue natural means of soil care and protection. Estate-produced and local compost is used in our vineyards in combination with natural enhancers and mulch. Our partnership with ‘Trees for Life’ saw up to four hectares of saline land revegetated with native plants in an aim to reduce further degradation to the soil. We believe that the native vegetation planted around the vineyard promotes beneficial organisms and increases wildlife activity. Our viticulture is centred on sustainable efficiencies supported by traditional pruning techniques and canopy management that reflect the Australian climate; intelligent viticulture that we have evolved to suit our climate and wine styles.
Meet the Workers
Tim Dolan
Chief WinemakerTim is a 3rd generation Barossa winemaker. Son of Nigel and grandson of Bryan, arguably two of the most influential Australian winemakers of their respective eras, Tim not only has the pedigree, but the passion, experience and qualifications to go with it. Awarded Dux of the famous Len Evans Tutorial in 2018, Tim has a degree in Oenology from the University of Adelaide and is regularly selected as a judge on the Australian winemaking circuit.
Tim joined the team in September 2022 after 10 years as the Senior Winemaker at Peter Lehmann Wines and various vintages in different regions across USA, Italy, Canada and Australia.
Stephen Dew
Senior WinemakerStephen is a passionate winemaker, an expert in old vine and single vineyard wines, and has been crafting wine for Kaesler since 2002.
With 30 years experience in the wine industry, Stephen was hooked from the first time he entered a winery and realised the power of the grape - and the person in the white coat!
He has worked in a number of wineries in his career including Lindemans, Penfolds and Charles Melton resulting in a wide breadth of knowledge from the science of oenology to the importance of marketing and presentation.
Stephen has acted as an Associate Judge at the Barossa Valley wine show and has also completed a number of vintages at Domaine Prieure Roch in Burgundy where he learned the natural winemaking process which lead to the creation of the Fave Grenache.
Nigel van der Zande
Vineyard ManagerA grape, a cow, a lamb or native wildlife - if it can be grown and nurtured, Nigel knows how.
Nigel trained at Roseworthy and has been involved in agriculture and grape growing all his life. Even his long past stints in a native park, a piggery and as a gardener have helped him appreciate respect for the harvest.
Nigel has worked with the group as a viticulturist since 2001 and has specialised in nurturing new growths and implementing sustainable practices across the industry.
Nigel has worked and trained in regions all over the country as well as internationally. This includes the Clare Valley, McLaren Vale, the Rhone Valley in France, China and in the north of New Zealand.
