Today Basedow is the second oldest family owned winery in the region, a long and proud heritage established by the founder, Johannes Christoff Basedow.

By trade Johannes Basedow was a carpenter, his name can take pride in boasting the part he played for building famous landmarks in the valley, Chateau Tanunda, the Bethany Chapel and the Basedow winery to name a few.

The Basedow family shared a real interest in the developing wine trade of the late 19th century, Friedrich Basedow, Johannes’ older brother, was in fact a founder of the Roseworthy Agricultural College, a leading institution for winemakers world wide. It seemed obvious then, for Johannes to indulge in his passion, so in 1896 he built the Basedow winery.

But, his vision in realising the success of the winery was to be short lived. On a tour around the working vineyard, Johannes’ wife, Anna, was thrown from a the trap as their horse bolted. Her death, days later, stole the soul from Johannes.

Through his grief Johannes continued his work but further tragedy struck soon after, as a renowned town drunkard fell and drowned in the vat where the red wine fermented. In despair, Johannes released the 1900 vintage into a nearby creek.

The next year Johannes died, it is rumoured from a broken heart and wallet. The Basedow winery fell into the hands of Oscar, a nephew close to Johannes. His youth and love for his uncle injected life and vitality into his winemaking. With this came great success.

Today Basedow is a company in the James Australia Group, a Hunter Valley based national wine producer and wholesaler, which is committed to the Basedow tradition by continuing to deliver famous Barossan quality, maintaining a century of tradition to make a thoroughly modern wine.