Being born into one of the most famous Australian winemaking dynasties is a little like being born the son of a Hollywood movie star. You certainly grow up living life to the full but as soon as you show signs of following the family tradition, the world's wine critics start circling like vultures waiting for you to fall!

However in the case of Ben Glaetzer, not only has he silenced any would-be doubters of his ability to follow in the footsteps of father Colin and uncle John, but he has also successfully recruited a new generation of followers to his unique winemaking style – as embodied in the outstanding red wines of Glaetzer, Mitolo and his newest project, Heartland.

As you might expect, Ben began to make wine at an early age – helping out at Barossa Valley Estate whilst still at school, before going on to study oenology at Roseworthy. After graduation he joined Tyrrell's for two years before returning to the family fold in 1998 to assist his father as winemaker for Glaetzer Wines.

Ben and his father share the philosophy of striving to make the best possible wines from their little corner of the Barossa Valley. Both firmly believe that great wines are made in the vineyard – a combination of the French notion of 'terroir', together with an understanding of their dry-grown vineyards in the renowned Ebenezer district of the Barossa.

The international success of Glaetzer Wines, particularly Bishop Shiraz, has encouraged Ben to explore the concept of 'terroir' outside of the family firm. In 2000, with childhood friend Frank

Mitolo he set out to produce his own personal interpretation of McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley Shiraz using the very best fruit, non-interventionist winemaking and super fine oak. The purity and finesse of the Mitolo range is attracting intense international interest and Mitolo G.A.M. McLaren Vale Shiraz 2001 has just been awarded 94 points by Robert Parker.

In 2002 he pushed the boundaries further by producing an Italian-inspired amarone style Cabernet Sauvignon under the Mitolo label named Serpico – which has been nominated for the George Mackey Memorial Trophy, Australia's prestigious annual award for the most outstanding export wine.

However, Ben is not content to pursue perfection in winemaking purely at the super-premium end. Most recently he set himself the challenge of producing larger volume wines that are well made, yet definitively Australian in character, to fit price points from entry level to premium. Heartland is the result – a new range of wines produced from vineyards in Langhorne Creek and along the Limestone Coast.

Few brands will be able to match the pedigree of the dynamic and talented team behind Heartland Wines. In addition to Ben as chief winemaker, the group includes second generation winemaker Scott Collett – the 'voice of McLaren Vale' from Woodstock Wines and fifth generation descendent of wine pioneer Thomas Hardy and renowned viticulturist Geoff Hardy.

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Ben Glaetzer will be at the Great Western Wine stand (F16) with his range of wines to meet members of the trade and press throughout the duration of the London International Wine & Spirits Fair.

For further information or to arrange a specific appointment, please call:

Bryony Wright
Jefferson Hunt Communication Consultants
Mob: 07974 741764
Email: bryony@jeffersonhunt.co.uk