B. Seppelt & Sons, Ltd, Seppeltsfield

Seppeltsfield (including Marananga)
One of the most impressive wineries in the Barossa Valley
Located 79 km north-east of Adelaide, Seppeltsfield and the nearby township of Marananga is really nothing more than a settlement established specifically for the production of wine.

Prior to European settlement a small number of Aborigines were well established in the district. They lived on a diet of grass seeds (made into a kind of damper), kangaroos, wallabies, possums, lizards and fish and protected themselves against the winter cold with possum skin rugs. Their life was simple but perfectly in tune with the climate, flora and fauna of the region.

Soon after the arrival of colonists in South Australia in July, 1836 expeditions were sent out to explore the hinterland. By December 1837 explorers had reached Lyndoch and by 1838 other explorers had reached the Murray River passing through the Barossa Valley. The valley was named by Colonel Light after Barrosa (Hill of Roses) in Spain where he had fought against the French in 1811 in the Peninsula War. The spelling mistake was never corrected.

By 1839 Colonel Light, the Surveyor General of South Australia, was selling off large tracts of land in the valley.

George Fife Angas went to London as a director of the South Australian Company to try and promote colonisation. While he was there he met Pastor August Ludwig Christian Kavel who was trying to organise for Lutherans (who were being persecuted by the King of Prussia, Friedrich Wilhelm III) to emigrate. Angas was moved by the plight of the Lutherans and not only persuaded Kavel that South Australia was a suitable place for emigration but also financially assisted the journey. The first German settlers arrived on 25 November, 1838 at the unfortunately named Port Misery. These settlers were to establish distinctly German villages at Klemzig, Glen Osmond, Lobethal and most famously Hahndorf.

Joseph Seppelt was not in the first wave of German emigrants. He didn't arrive in South Australia until 1849. He started growing tobacco but when the crop failed he turned to grapes and it on the basis of this accident of history that the huge Seppelt wine company has grown.

The Australian Dictionary of Biography records that Seppelt, as is entirely appropriate for a wine maker, died probably from an excess of his own product. It records: 'Naturalised in 1851, next year he bought property in the Barossa district and named it Seppeltsfield. After another attempt to grow tobacco he planted corn, wheat and a small vineyard. He made his first wine in his wife's small dairy and in 1867 built the first part of the stone winery. The business expanded rapidly as he concentrated on the production of wine, much of which he sold along the Murray where it was transported by paddle-steamer. Survived by his wife, a daughter and three sons, he died suddenly of delirium tremens on 29 January 1868 and was buried at Greenoch.'

His son, Oscar Benno Pedro Seppelt, greatly expanded the business so that it became one of Australia's leading wine producers. Today Seppeltsfield is like no other winery. The rows of date palms (planted in the 1930s), the turrets and the hugeness of the site make for a unique winery experience.

Things to see:  

The unusual wine vats at Seppeltsfield which look like small Norman turrets

Seppeltsfield Winery
It is quite impossible to miss Seppeltsfield Winery. It is characterised by endless rows of palm trees, turret-like buildings (with a faintly medieval air) and strange shaped wine vats. The result is that it is very distinctive. By the 1890s the winery was recognised as the most modern in the world. Today it is a total winery experience with cellar door sales, wine tasting, picnic facilities and tours of the winery. For details contact (08) 8568 6200.

Seppelt Mausoleum
Nearby is the Seppelt Mausoleum. It is a very ornate building with Doric columns stands on the top of the hill. It was completed in 1927 and positioned so it offers excellent views over the surrounding area.

Marananga
It is a sad commentary on the bigotry against Germans during World War I that Marananga was actually known as Gnadenfrei (a German word meaning 'freed by the grace of God' which was a clear expression of the gratitude felt by the new settlers) but it was changed during the war.

Marananga (the word is supposed to mean 'my hands' in the local Aboriginal language) is a settlement of only about half a dozen houses including the old School house. In comparison to Seppeltsfield, which is really nothing more than a winery, it is a major centre. The highlight of the town is the beautiful St Michaels Lutheran Church which was begun in 1857 and extended in both 1873 and 1913.

Between Gnadefrei and Seppeltsfield is the beautiful accommodation, The Lodge, a former Seppelt family home which is located just over the road from the main Seppeltsfield winery. It has a beautiful setting and is surrounded by vineyards.

Other Vineyards in the Area
Greenoch Creek Vineyards
Located on Radford Road just north of the Seppeltsfield winery this winery was established in 1988. It specialises in red and white table wines derived from cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, Grenache, and chardonnay grapes. It is open six days a week for tastings and sales. For more details contact (08) 8562 8103.

Gnadenfrei Estate Winery
Located on Seppeltsfield Road this winery was established in 1979. It specialises in red and white table wines, ports and sparking wines derived from cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, riesling, semillon and Grenache. It is open six days a week for tastings and sales. For more details contact (08) 8562 2522.

Viking Wines
Located on Seppeltsfield Road this winery was established in 1995. It specialises in red and white table wines and fortified wines derived from cabernet sauvignon, shiraz and riesling grapes. It is open seven days a week for tastings and sales. For more details contact (08) 8562 3842.

Heritage Wines
Located on Seppeltsfield Road this small family winery was established in 1984. It specialises in dry red and white table wines derived from cabernet sauvignon, Malbec and shiraz grapes. It is open seven days a week for tastings and sales. For more details contact (08) 8562 2880.

	Bed & Breakfast/Guesthouses
	The Hermitage Ultimate Indulgence Seppeltsfield Rd Tanunda Seppeltsfield SA 5325 Telephone: (08) 8562 2722 Facsimile: (08) 8562 3133 Rating: *****
	The Lodge Country House Seppeltsfield Rd Seppeltsfield SA 5360 Telephone: (08) 8562 8277 Facsimile: (08) 8562 8344 Rating: *****
	The Workmans Cottage Seppeltsfield Rd Seppeltsfield SA 5360 Telephone: (08) 8562 8444 Facsimile: (08) 8562 8555 Rating: ****1/2
	Cottages & Cabins
	Marananga Cottages Seppeltsfield Rd Marananga Seppeltsfield SA 5360 Telephone: (08) 8562 3277 Facsimile: (08) 8562 4188
	Seppeltsfield Holiday Cabins Seppeltsfield Rd Seppeltsfield SA 5360 Telephone: (08) 8562 8240 Facsimile: (08) 8562 8563 Rating: ***
	Restaurants
	The Hermitage of Marananga Country Guesthouse P.O. Box 219 Tanunda Seppeltsfield SA 5325 Telephone: (08) 8562 2722 Facsimile: (08) 8562 3133
	The Lodge Country House Seppeltsfield Rd Seppeltsfield SA 5360 Telephone: (08) 8562 8277 Facsimile: (08) 8562 8344