Qld sun shines on SA's Barossa wine

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

More Australians move to Queensland each year than to any other state in the country, so it is no surprise to find that fine Barossa wine and wine professionals are following the trend.
Rising winemakers David Lehmann, with his David Franz styles, and Shawn Kalleske, with his Laughing Jack range, are already planning regular trips to the 'Sunshine State'.

And Sam Schroeter recently joined Tanunda Cellars' sister company at Maleny on the Sunshine Coast, north of Brisbane, as their fine wines specialist.

Mr Kalleske launched the 2004 Laughing Jack range in July at Tanunda Cellars, Maleny, in July.

"There are a few guys doing a lot of work to promote Barossa wine up there in Queensland," Mr Kalleske said.

"And for Barossa Shiraz Queensland is definitely a good market.

"Trevor Harch (Tanunda Cellars owner) is building a portfolio of Barossa winemakers, who will be up there on a regular basis.

"I'm flying up, and so is David Lehmann, in November.

"And I will probably going up three and maybe four times a year."

But Sam Schroeter has gone one step further and moved to Maleny.

"It was too good an opportunity to pass up, who wouldn't want to live on the beautiful Sunshine Coast," she said.

"I absolutely love the Barossa but this opportunity gives me the best of both worlds.

"I get to live near beautiful beaches in Queensland and promote my home as Australia's best wine region; I love it."

Tanunda Cellars' bottleshop in Maleny is operated in tandem with Jacksons Bar.

Ms Schroeter's arrival also coincides with the company's move to new state of the art premises at Coolum, incorporating office and warehouse space, which will be officially opened in mid-September.

SOURCE: Barossa Herald, a Rural Press publication.