In the late 1970s, Australia's wine industry hit a crisis. Vineyard acreage expanded rapidly nationwide, but consumption failed to keep pace. At the time, Australian consumers preferred beer and port and sherry to wine. A recession compounded the problem, and wineries could not handle the growing inventories. In the end, many wineries began unilaterally terminating grape supply contracts or canceling purchases. For growers, it meant a year's harvest was being thrown away. It was a life-or-death crisis for grape growers whose livelihoods were at stake.
The Saltram winery in the Barossa Valley faced the same situation and tried to renege on its promises to growers, citing expense burdens. But Peter Lehmann, then the chief winemaker, made a different choice. In 1979, he established his own winery to honor the promises made to growers to purchase their grapes. He left the large winery where he worked and took the risk of starting a company. That is why he is called "the guardian of Barossa (Baron of Barossa)." Without his decision, today's Barossa wine industry might look entirely different. For this reason, he is counted among the most respected wine producers in Australia today.
Today, 98% of the grapes used by Peter Lehmann Winery come from local producers. About 185 grape growers supply quality grapes harvested from more than 900 vineyards. Thanks to this, the winery can produce wines in a wide range of varieties and styles. From the low-lying Barossa Valley to the higher-altitude Eden Valley, it sources grapes from top sites across Barossa. The remaining 2% is harvested from the winery's own vineyards.
Jancis Robinson, a globally renowned wine critic, said, "The Barossa Valley is recognized as Australia's finest wine region." Barossa sits at an elevation of 400 meters and, thanks to hot days and cool nights, grapes ripen well while maintaining acidity. It has never been infected by phylloxera, the grapevine plague.
Old vines dating back to the 19th century still stand their ground, and in some plots grapes are harvested from vines well over 100 years old. This is regarded as a rare case worldwide.
The soil here consists of complex rock and reddish-brown earth, which adds intensity and depth to the fruit. Shiraz, in particular, is considered the representative variety that showcases the Barossa Valley's terroir. Compared with other varieties, Shiraz reflects the climate and topography of its growing area relatively well.
Since its founding, Peter Lehmann Winery has built a diverse brand portfolio. Among them, the "Hill & Valley" series is a brand that captures the topographic diversity of Barossa and Eden Valley. It aims to express the distinct climates and soils shaped by hills and valleys, reflecting the winery's philosophy.
Hill & Valley Shiraz shows a bright, vivid purple hue, with subtle notes of plum, raspberry, violet, and blueberry. On the palate, rich fruit flavors unfold, such as blueberry, plum, dark cherry, and blackcurrant. Gentle toasted oak accompanies and carries the healthy fruit profile smoothly, leaving fresh acidity and a long finish.
This wine pairs well with spicy beef stir-fry, grilled chorizo, sausages, and cheese. Its aging potential is also assessed at more than 10 years. It won the top prize in the New World red wine category at the 2025 Liquor Awards. The official importer in Korea is LOTTE Chilsung Beverage.