The Barossa Mag Autumn 2019 | Page 22

22 | T H E B A R O SSA M A G Young Ambassador Honour Roll 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 ADRIAN HOFFMANN KERRY PFEIFFER RHIANNON SCHILLING SHANNON RICE LINDA PARBS (NEE TSCHARKE) REBECCA GROSS SARAH NOACK EMILY KROSCHEL (NEE NELDNER) CHLOE THOMAS NICOLA BIAGI As a result, some of the region’s most prestigious wines now bear the Hoffmann name, including a Chris Ringland Hoffmann Vineyard Shiraz that retails at around $500 a bottle. relationship with the winemakers – I refer to myself as a wine grower rather than a grape grower,” he says. Adrian himself works closely with winemakers to deliver premium fruit and is closely involved in all aspects of production, from picking selections to blending and barrelling. “I want to be proud and put the Barossa Valley on the label, and more than that, put Hoffmann on the label.” “For me, it’s all about the “I understand my soil types and grow fruit for specific wine styles. It’s for this reason Adrian, a father-of-three himself, chose to accept his Barons of the Barossa ‘Grapegrower of the Year’ honour alongside his father, Jeff and grandfather, Gordon. “We wouldn’t have what we have if not for the previous generations and what they gave us and what they sacrificed,” Adrian says. “I like the idea of forging ahead and being modern, but always being aware of the passion and where you came from. “I see what I’m doing as building on the past and investing in the future, and that’s something I try to bestow on my family.” Equally, Adrian is an advocate and adviser to others in the industry, amid concerns of Barossa land being carved off and “sold to the highest bidder”. “I’m almost a bit too honest, giving away my trade secrets,” he laughs. “But everyone needs to be encouraged a bit, and in all honesty, the higher the bar gets, the better the Barossa is going to be.”