One Lonely Barrel

John Samartzis made his first barrel of wine in 2002; he describes it as a disaster. Chastened, he went looking for a ‘how to' book, attending several winemaking courses, reading more books, and with some help from a handful of friends, the '03 vintage was more successful. The '05 and '06 vintages won Best in Class and Best in Show at the Amateur Winemakers Competition in the Tanunda Show. In '12 his Personally Produced Barossa Shiraz became the first commercial release, rather more than the one hogshead that he started with, the business plan ultimately aiming for 1000 dozen, marketed to 250-300 wine lovers. He also produces My Personally Selected wines, selling for less than the wine he makes. -JAMES HALLIDAY