THE JOURNEY

South of Jacobs Creek in the Barossa Valley, SA our family has been vignerons for seven generations. In 1838, Johann George Mattner arrived in the newly found colony of Adelaide, following a 3 month sea voyage from Kuschten, Prussia (now Germany). Escaping religious persecution in their homeland the family including 6 children (youngest only 6 months old upon arrival - thats here in the background photo) put trust in faith that this great land of Australia would provide refuge and a place to call home. After initially settling in Klemzig for couple of years Johann and his eldest son Gottfried were naturalized as Australian and in 1843 were amongst the very first Germans to push North and take up leasing of land opportunity offered by Angus Fyfe in the area known as Langmeil (now Tanunda), Barossa Valley. Having been amongst the small number of immigrants awarded citizenship early meant they were approved to purchase new government surveyed land on the banks of Jacobs Creek in Rowland Flat. It was here in 1846 they established mixed farming enterprise with a focus on subsistence. It was here they began a legacy spanning 5 generations of our family working this patch of soil.

The Mattner / Magen family planted food crops and established a vine garden and began small batch winemaking a cultural tradition they carried from the old country. Somewhat of a trend in the district with neighbours at the time Johann Gramp (Orlando) on the east boundary with brothers William and John Jacob to the west, who were also venturing into viticulture and winemaking.

For 175 years, generations of vignerons have endured the challenges and triumphs of farming, and today we continue the legacy of our family heritage. As traditional, artisan family vignerons, we focus on showcasing single vineyard sites through low-intervention winemaking. We are committed to crafting the best wines that display a sense of place with fruit purity and balance, whilst being socially and environmentally responsible. Preserving our heritage for future generations and the community is our responsibility as custodians.

We have been doing this for seven generations, and it comes naturally to us. Our product just happens to be fine wines and spirits that reflect our passion and dedication to quality and sustainability.