Burge Family Winemakers
Key French/Italian terms
A Barossa institution with roots stretching to 1855, crafting concentrated, terroir-driven reds from century-old dry-farmed vines in Lyndoch.
Burge Family Winemakers is a boutique Barossa Valley estate with family heritage dating to 1855 and modern production since 1928. Based in Lyndoch at the southern end of the Barossa Valley, the 10-hectare estate is known for rich, concentrated reds from old dry-farmed vines, including centenarian Grenache.
- Modern winery established 1928 by Percival Burge during the Depression; family heritage in the region dates to 1855
- Located in Lyndoch, southern Barossa Valley, at 170 metres above sea level
- 10-hectare estate vineyard planted on deep clay soils with limestone elements
- Features century-old dry-farmed Grenache vines planted in the early 1900s
- Flagship wine is the Draycott Shiraz; portfolio is tiered across Wilsford, Homestead, and Draycott labels
- Owned by the Wilsford Group since November 2018; Derek Fitzgerald has served as Chief Winemaker since 2018
- Minimal-intervention winemaking philosophy prioritising low yields and terroir expression
History and Heritage
The Burge family's connection to the Barossa Valley began in 1855 when John Burge migrated from Wiltshire, England. Winemaking began in the late 1860s but ceased before the end of the century. Percival Burge revived production in 1928, during the Great Depression, establishing the foundation of the modern winery. Rick Burge took the helm in 1986 and was instrumental in shaping the estate's contemporary identity and reputation for premium Barossa reds. In November 2018, the Wilsford Group purchased the business, with Derek Fitzgerald stepping in as Chief Winemaker.
- John Burge arrived from Wiltshire, UK in 1855; winemaking commenced in the late 1860s
- Production lapsed before 1900 and was restarted by Percival Burge in 1928
- Rick Burge led the winery from 1986 to 2018, driving its modern reputation
- Acquired by the Wilsford Group in November 2018 with Derek Fitzgerald as Chief Winemaker
Vineyard and Terroir
The estate vineyard covers 10 hectares in Lyndoch at the southern end of the Barossa Valley, sitting at 170 metres above sea level. Soils are deep clay with limestone elements, providing good water retention and mineral complexity. The Barossa Valley's characteristically long summer days deliver optimal ripening conditions, contributing to the richness and concentration for which the estate's wines are known. Centenarian Grenache vines, planted in the early 1900s and dry-farmed throughout their lives, are among the estate's most prized assets.
- 10 hectares of estate vines at 170m AMSL in Lyndoch, southern Barossa Valley
- Deep clay soils with limestone elements underpin the vineyard
- Long summer days provide the extended ripening central to Burge's style
- Century-old dry-farmed Grenache vines remain a defining feature of the estate
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Look it up →Grape Varieties and Wine Style
Burge Family Winemakers grows an unusually broad range of varieties for a 10-hectare estate, including Shiraz, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvèdre, Mataro, Zinfandel, Nebbiolo, Tinta Cao, Sousao, Touriga, Merlot, Semillon, Roussanne, Muscat Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling. The winemaking philosophy is rooted in minimal intervention, allowing low-yielding, highly flavoured fruit to express the character of the site. The resulting wines are rich, lush, and concentrated, built for extended cellaring. The portfolio is structured across three label tiers: Wilsford, Homestead, and the flagship Draycott, with Draycott Shiraz representing the pinnacle of the range.
- Sixteen grape varieties grown across the 10-hectare estate
- Winemaking is minimal-intervention, centred on low yields and terroir expression
- Wines are rich and concentrated, designed for extended cellaring
- Three label tiers: Wilsford, Homestead, and flagship Draycott; Draycott Shiraz leads the range
Rich, lush, and deeply concentrated red wines with layers of dark fruit, earthiness, and spice drawn from low-yielding old vines. White wines and fortifieds reflect the same philosophy of intensity and site expression.
- Burge Family Winemakers Homestead Shiraz$25-35Entry point into Burge's Barossa Shiraz style; approachable concentration from estate fruit.Find →
- Burge Family Winemakers Draycott Shiraz$55-75Flagship wine; richly concentrated Barossa Shiraz built for extended cellaring from low-yield old vines.Find →
- Burge Family Winemakers Wilsford Grenache$30-45Showcases estate centenarian Grenache vines; the entry tier for old-vine Barossa expression.Find →
- Modern winery established 1928 by Percival Burge; family heritage in Barossa Valley from 1855
- Located in Lyndoch, southern Barossa Valley; 10 ha estate at 170m AMSL on deep clay-limestone soils
- Features dry-farmed centenarian Grenache vines planted in the early 1900s
- Minimal-intervention philosophy; low-yielding vines producing concentrated, cellar-worthy reds
- Acquired by Wilsford Group November 2018; portfolio tiered as Wilsford, Homestead, and Draycott labels