Get excited for the best of Barossa wine

Wine lovers will have the chance to add to their collections when the Barossa Wine Auction returns, this year with 145 lots up for grabs. People can either head to the region to attend the auction on Friday, April 26, which coincides with the annual Barossa Vintage Festival, or bid online for a range of listings – including items from the live auction – from Friday, April 5 to Sunday, May 5.

Everything from riesling to aged shiraz and old-vine grenache – including a 60-bottle lot of wines provided by 20 of the region’s top grenache producers – is included among the enviable selections on offer. Among this year’s highlights are 10 vintages of Henschke Mount Edelstone magnums that span two decades, presented in gift boxes and signed by winemaker Stephen Henschke. With an estimated price of up to $8000, this sale is set to be one of the more competitive. Another listing expected to garner great interest is the 2013 Penfolds Grange imperial, with an anticipated sale price of $70,000 for the six-litre bottle.

Not all listings are out of reach, however, with some prices expected to fetch $50 or less. All of the wines come direct from winery cellars, ensuring they are in mint condition. They also come with an official seal of provenance for authentication.

A number of other listings include coveted experience packages involving tours and tastings with winemakers, wine-matched meals and even accommodation. Chris Ringland, for example, is offering a rare 2009 Dry Grown Shiraz magnum, plus a three-night stay in the winery’s new, luxe guesthouse overlooking its 110-year-old Eden Valley vineyard, as well as a vineyard tour and back-vintage tasting.

The biannual Barossa Wine Auction has run since 1965 and is facilitated by Langton’s Fine Wines, so bidders for both the online and live auctions must first register with Langton’s. Proceeds from the sales will go towards the vintage festival, several local charities and the McGrath Foundation, which works to increase breast health awareness.

LIVE AUCTION
When: April 26
Where: Lambert Estate in Angaston
Find out more.

ONLINE AUCTION
When: April 5-May 5 
Where: langtons.com.au
Find out more.

BAROSSA VINTAGE FESTIVAL
When: April 24-28
Where: Various locations 
Find out more.

This article was produced by Halliday Wine Companion in partnership with Barossa Wine.