New Era Vineyards in the Adelaide Hills is by father and son duo Bob and Iain Baxter. They’ve been farming their 50-odd acres of land for over 15 years, but the vines have been there since 1988. Currently, they have Pinot Noir (of course!), Shiraz, Cabernet, Merlot, Tempranillo, Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Nebbiolo planted, and are experimenting with alternative varieties like Touriga Nacional.
New Era is not the first vineyard for Bob. The family ran a table wine vineyard for 15 years in country Victoria when Iain was still a child, and Bob also has extensive experience working in the Lindemans, Penfolds and Southcorp stables.
The Baxters are contract grape growers, however they handpick and keep the best fruit for their own New Era label. Their general philosophy is minimal intervention – they want to allow the terroir of their Adelaide Hills vineyard to shine through in the wines. That means minimal pesticides and herbicides, and a family of kangaroos that call the property home.
Currently, there’s no cellar door onsite, however it is in the works and should be completed by the end of 2019. Private groups are more than welcome for tastings and more by appointment.
New Era Vineyard wines can be found at independent retailers in South Australia, or be purchased direct through the website.
If your Pinot was a music artist, who would it be?
Jimmy Barnes – it’s a Pinot for the Australian mass market.
Best music to listen to during vintage?
Anything – we even like listening to live sport!
Where do you Pinot?
At T-Chow Chinese restaurant in Adelaide. Pinot and crispy skin duck is an amazing combo.
New Era Vineyards
Pfeiffer Rd, Woodside 5244
