The Barons of Barossa named Peter Kelly as the 2025 Barossa Winemaker of the Year at the Declaration of Vintage on Sunday.
Kym Kalleske was named Viticulturist of the Year.
The Declaration of Vintage is a regional celebration of the grape harvest held annually in Tanunda with lots of colour and pageantry.
Barons Grand Master Louisa Rose said, “The Barossa winemaking and grapegrowing community submit nominations for these awards.
“All the nominations we received this year were thoughtful and varied and although all were deserving, just one winemaker and one viticulturist chosen had to be chosen for 2025.”
Peter Kelly has been immersed in Barossa winemaking since 2006, working at several iconic wineries, and is now chief winemaker at Thorn Clarke Wines in Eden Valley.
Well respected on the Australian wine show circuit, Peter has judged at more than 40 shows including as panel chair and chair of judges.
Kym Kalleske is a seventh generation custodian of the Kalleske family property in Moppa on the Barossa’s Western ridge, which was first established in 1853.
Throughout his 35 vintages, Kym has worked alongside his parents John and Lorraine.
Quietly steadfast in his belief that organic and biodynamic farming are integral to the future of his family, Kym says there is no greater responsibility than nurturing our soil and everything which comes from it.
As part of the event, Master Baron Adrian Hoffmann delivered the 2025 Vintage Forecast.
“Looking back at the 2024 vintage, we saw a year that defied expectations,” he said.
“After a season marked by a challenging start, we were met with a surprisingly balanced, high-quality vintage that promised much – and delivered even more.
“As anticipated, the Barossa’s unique climate brought its own set of challenges, but the resilience and adaptability of our growers and winemakers saw us through to a spectacular harvest.
“Fast forward to now, and the wine is now being celebrated for its depth and character.
“The reds, in particular, showcase beautiful ripeness balanced with fresh acidity, producing wines that offer both immediate pleasure and long-term aging potential.
“The cooler ripening conditions of 2024 ensured that we didn’t see some of the usual characteristics that can sometimes accompany a hot year, and the wines are showing elegant, spiced fruit with silky tannins.
“The 2025 vintage is shaping up to be another challenging year, the vineyards are holding up remarkably well.
“With well below-average annual rainfall in most areas – down to nearly half the usual amount – many vines have been tapping deep into their reserves.
“The season kicked off with a frosty start, followed by a warm, dry spring and summer, resulting in a smaller-than-usual crop.
“Loose bunches and small berries are the defining characteristics of this vintage, with an early start to harvest due to the lighter crops and warm weather.
“For those who are patient, the greatest rewards will come, and we eagerly anticipate the wines that will be produced from the 2025 vintage.
“The Barossa’s ability to thrive despite variable weather patterns continues to impress, and as we look ahead, we can say with confidence that 2025 will be yet another vintage to savour and celebrate.
“Glory to the Barossa.”
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