The Barossa offers the perfect spot for a drive and for Neil Ashmead, he was as comfortable behind the wheel as he was working his magic in the winery. The Grand Tourer is the Elderton boys, Al and Cam, ode to their dad and his love of cars. This is a Barossa Shiraz like no other and I can attest to the fact that you don’t need food but just a decent glass to enjoy the dark fruits, spicy tones and elegant finish that this delight has in spades.

Neil and Lorraine Ashmead made the fateful decision to buy a house for their young family in 1980 with views of having the ideal location for their children to grow up. The house just so happened to be located in the heart of the Barossa Valley, surrounded by 90 year old Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon vines. Fast forward 40 years and their children Cam and Al are now running the iconic Elderton winery and those vineyards now make up the equally iconic Command Shiraz and Ashmead Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery is truly a family owned and operated winery with Cam’s wife, Jules, head of winemaking and viticulture and Al’s wife, Bec, head of production and export. With winemaker Brock Harrison at the helm and to help break up any brotherly disagreements this winery has been flying the flag high for classic winemaking mixed with exceptional sourcing of old vine fruit. Neil and Lorraine’s quest for creating a life for their sons has certainly been worthwhile.