Showcasing South Australia

The concept behind the establishment of Kurtz Family Vineyards is rooted in a rich family history and a deep connection to grape cultivation and winemaking. The idea took shape from generations of growing grapes, enjoying the final product, and a shared aspiration to create wines exclusively from the family's own vineyards.

The lineage begins with Great Grandfather Alfred Bernhard (Ben) Kurtz, who initiated grape cultivation in the sub-region of Light Pass in the Barossa Valley during the 1930s. The same vineyard block he worked on back then continues to be cultivated to this day. Grandfather Bernhard Otto Kurtz continued the family tradition, starting grape growing at his Light Pass vineyard in 1957. In the early 1960s, John Bernhard Kurtz and Erril, his parents, relocated to the existing vineyards.

The family's involvement in the wine industry gained momentum when the current generation, now represented by the spokesperson, worked several vintages at Saltram Wines in the Barossa. This was followed by roles at various locations within Orlando Wines. From the 1990s to September 2006, there was a significant tenure at Fosters Wine Estates, where the spokesperson had the privilege of working alongside winemaking luminaries like Nigel Dolan, Caroline Dunn, and John Glaetzer. The experience gleaned from Fosters paved the way for a decision to concentrate on an independent winemaking journey.

The hope is that the family tradition of grape cultivation in the Light Pass area will endure for many vintages to come. There's a vision for the legacy to continue, with the possibility that future generations, perhaps the spokesperson's boys, will carry on the tradition of growing grapes and making wine, as their forebears have done for nearly eighty years.

Today Steve Kurtz is the grape grower and winemaker produce honest Barossa Valley wines.