Since the first vintage of Charles Melton Wines in 1984, this boutique Barossa Valley winery has gained both national and international recognition for its premium red table wines. The wines move from our renowned rosé, ‘The Rose of Virginia’, through to Australia’s premier Rhone-style red, ‘Nine Popes.’ Charles Melton also produces Shiraz, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sparkling Red, and is the earliest Australian producer of a Vin Santo style dessert wine, Sotto di Ferro. Charlie was one of the first to recognise the value and tradition of the Barossa’s old vineyard Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro. In the 1980s, when others were pulling out vineyards of old Grenache and Shiraz to plant white varieties, Charlie convinced growers to retain their historic vineyards. He was one of a small group of winemakers who helped retain the viticultural heritage of the Barossa. Charles Melton Wines are now proud custodians of bush vine Grenache over 80 years old and 100 year old Shiraz vines. Whole bunch fermentation, open fermentation, hand plunging of ferments, wild yeast and malolactic fermentation are all used in the winemaking process. These techniques provide a wide range of blending options, allowing Charles Melton to achieve a balance between wines that portray pure fruit flavours and more complex/gamey characters. Our dry reds are matured in both French and American Oak, which have been seasoned for 3 years in France, before the staves are shaped via immersion rather than the traditional fire method. This gives rise to cellar style which allows the rich fragrance and flavours of old dry grown Barossa vines to move to the fore, with subtle oak complementing the fruit. Showing complexity from a range of vineyard sites and vinification techniques, the wines have demonstrated over the last two decades an ability to cellar gracefully into mature examples of the finest Barossa styles. Future projects… There are upcoming plans for new vineyards to be planted, including an estate block in High Eden. There are also plans forming for how we can grow our cellar door and members tasting areas. In terms of passing on the baton, the next generation of Melton’s should be well equipped to take on the challenge of running a family winery when the time comes.