Barons of Barossa dinner, Angaston, South Australia

The Wine Fraternity, Barons of Barossa was founded in 1974 by a group of influential Barossa winemakers. George Kolarovich of the Barossa Co-operative [Kaiser Stuhl] was elected as the first Grand Master. Other founding Barons were the late Wyndham Hill-Smith [Yalumba], Colin Gramp [Orlando], the late Bill Seppelt [Seppelts], the late Sir Condor Laucke, Bruce Hoffmann, Peter Lehmann and the late Cyril Henschke.
The Fraternity was modelled on similar organisations which exist in Europe whose aims are to promote wines of the regions and also carry out philanthropic and charitable works.

The colourful ceremonial regalia worn by the Barons of Barossa reflect these traditional origins and is a reminder of the links with European migration and settlement which led to the foundation of the Barossa.

The objectives of the Barons of Barossa remains unchanged from its foundation which is to promote the Barossa winemaking and viticulture industries. The constitution also sets down a number of aims including the preservation of the Barossa's heritage and traditions and for the promotion of the arts, gastronomy and events.

The Fraternity is administered by the Grand Council which is elected biennially. Membership of the Fraternity is by invitation and is offered to persons who have made an outstanding contribution to the Barossa. New Barons are inducted into the Fraternity in a colourful ceremony at a black tie gala dinner. Membership is for life.

Since inception the Barons have initiated a number of special projects – most notably provision of a specialist wine library at Roseworthy Agricultural College and the raising of $30,000 to fund the research and publication of the “Vineyard of the Empire”. This is still recognised as a definitive history of the Barossa wine industry from founding up until World War 2.In more recent years the Barons have established a Foundation which is funded by marketing their own wine through a major wine organisation.

Each year the Barons ite the local community to apply for funding which will promote and enhance the Barossa in the areas of wine, viticulture, gastronomy, heritage, the arts and events. Over the years this has resulted in significant financial investment back into the community.

In 2008 the Barons launched the Bruce Thiele Memorial Trust in honour of a past Grand Master the late Bruce Thiele. This Trust supports research into wine and viticulture projects and also invests in the wine education centres in both local high schools.

The Barons of Barossa are a recognised part of the fabric of Barossa culture and continue to play a colourful and symbolic role. The Fraternity's motto is "Glory to Barossa".

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