THE STORY OF A DREAM COME TRUE

Wolf Blass Wines is one of Australia’s greatest success stories. From a humble tin shed in the legendary Barossa Valley in 1966, Wolf Blass has grown to become one of Australia’s most successful and awarded winemakers.

OUR FOUNDER

Known as one of the world’s premier winemakers and for his colourful bow-ties, Wolfgang Blass (Wolf’s) story is one of dedication. Wolfgang Franz Otto Blass was born in 1934 in what used to be East Germany.

When Wolf immigrated to Australia in 1961 he had already established himself as a winemaker in his homeland of Germany. He became Australia’s first consultant winemaker and developed a reputation as the “Golden Boy” of the industry driving between vineyards in his old Volkswagen Beetle. From 1966, Wolf produced small parcels of his own wine and in 1969 he purchased a two-hectare site on Bilyara Road in the Barossa Valley. Wolf learnt that Bilyara was the Aboriginal word for “Eaglehawk”. With the eagle as Germany’s national emblem, choosing the bird of prey for the Wolf Blass logo was an easy decision.

In 1973, Wolf decided to go it alone and Wolf Blass Wines International was born. Wolf concentrated on the production of red table wines, despite his background in sparkling wines and that he had never made red wine until he came to Australia. He did of course continue to make white wines, with Riesling as his preference.

FROM LOCAL LEGEND TO GLOBAL ICON

In 1974 Wolf Blass won Australia’s most prestigious wine award the Jimmy Watson Trophy, with Wolf Blass Black Label. When Wolf Blass Black Label repeated this feat in 1975 and 1976, Wolf Blass wines were placed well and truly on the map.

By the middle of the 1980’s Wolf Blass Wines had grown to become a public company leading the way for the Australian wine industry. In 1999 the seemingly impossible was achieved when, in the most competitive Jimmy Watson Trophy judging in history, the 1998 Wolf Blass Black Label won again for a fourth time.

In 2001, Wolf Blass Wines was announced as the Best Australian Wine Producer at the International Wine and Spirit Challenge in London. Twelve months later it went one better, when at the same event, Wolf Blass was awarded the prestigious accolade of International Winemaker of the Year, a feat that was also accomplished a decade earlier in 1992.

WOLF BLASS TODAY 

Wolf Blass continues its iconic performance having been awarded the International Red Winemaker of the Year at the world’s largest wine competition – the 2008 International Wine Challenge in London.

In total, Wolf Blass has won more than 3,500 national and international awards and currently exports to more than 50 countries. Wolf Blass truly is an internationally recognised producer of premium Australian wines.

YELLOW LABEL

Yellow Label Wines are the heart of Wolf Blass wines. Premium single varietal wines from South Australia epitomising quality, character and consistency. These wines are to be enjoyed upon release.