Turkey Flat Wines - Barossa Valley

Turkey Flat is one of the Barossa Valley's most historic and revered wine estates, home to some of Australia's oldest continuously producing Shiraz vines planted in 1847. For over 160 years, the Schulz family has been custodian of this remarkable property, crafting exceptional wines that honour the legacy of the Prussian settlers who first recognised the viticultural potential of this special site. Today, fourth-generation winemaker Christie Schulz continues the family tradition, producing character-filled wines that speak confidently of their origin and the unique landscape that sustains them.

The Origin of the Turkey Flat Name

The Turkey Flat name has a fascinating origin story rooted in the early days of European settlement in the Barossa Valley. When Prussian Lutheran settlers arrived in Bethany and Langmeil in the early 1840s, they noticed a large native bird that frequented the rich flats located towards the lower end of Tanunda Creek. Mistaking the bird for a turkey, they named the site 'Turkey Flat'.

The Plains Bustard - Ardeotis australis

The bird that gave Turkey Flat its name was not a turkey at all, but rather Ardeotis australis, commonly known as the Plains Bustard or Australian Bustard. This impressive native bird, one of Australia's heaviest flying birds, once roamed the open grasslands and fertile plains of the Barossa Valley in significant numbers. The Plains Bustard can stand up to one metre tall with a wingspan exceeding two metres, making it an unmistakable presence in the landscape.

Sadly, the Plains Bustard is now rarely seen in the Barossa, its numbers having declined dramatically due to habitat loss, hunting, and agricultural development. The species is now classified as vulnerable in South Australia, making sightings increasingly uncommon. Turkey Flat recognises the significance of this bird and the original landscape it inhabited through the artwork featured on their wine labels, honouring the natural heritage of the land that supports their vines.

The Landscape Connection

The same rich flats that attracted the Plains Bustard in the 1840s—with their fertile soils, access to water from Tanunda Creek, and favourable growing conditions—proved equally suited to viticulture. The landscape that once supported diverse native wildlife now sustains some of Australia's most treasured old vines, providing Turkey Flat with the means to make unique, character-filled fine wines that express this special terroir.

The History of Turkey Flat

Johann Fiedler - The Pioneer (1847)

Turkey Flat's viticultural history began in 1847 when Johann Fiedler, one of the first Prussian Lutherans to make wine in the Barossa Valley, planted Shiraz vines on the property. Fiedler was a true pioneer and experimentalist, noted for his early efforts to test the viticultural viability of the new settlement by experimenting with numerous grape varieties.

A journalist visiting Turkey Flat in 1851 documented that Fiedler had established an experimental vineyard containing an extraordinary 72 different grape varieties. This ambitious trial aimed to identify which varieties were best suited to the Barossa environment and climate. Fiedler's experimental approach and willingness to test diverse varieties demonstrated remarkable foresight and contributed significantly to establishing the Barossa's viticultural foundations.

The Shiraz vines Fiedler planted in 1847 survive to this day, making them amongst the oldest continuously producing Shiraz vines in Australia and the world. These ancient vines, now approaching 180 years old, remain the centrepiece of the Turkey Flat estate and play a vital role in the Barossa Valley's rich cultural heritage.

The Schulz Family - Four Generations (1860s-Present)

The Schulz family became custodians of Turkey Flat in the 1860s, establishing a connection to the land that has endured for over 160 years. Across four generations, the Schulz family has continued the legacy laid down by Johann Fiedler, growing vines and making wines that suit the unique landscape conditions of Turkey Flat.

Each generation has brought their own contributions whilst respecting the traditions and viticultural heritage of the estate. The family's long stewardship has ensured the preservation of the 1847 Shiraz vines and other old plantings, recognising their irreplaceable value long before the broader wine industry appreciated the significance of old vines.

Christie Schulz - Fourth Generation

Today, Christie Schulz represents the fourth generation of her family to become caretaker of this remarkable estate. Christie has undertaken extensive viticultural research in the vineyards, combining traditional knowledge passed down through generations with contemporary understanding of viticulture and winemaking. This approach allows her and her team to sensitively blend traditional Rhône varieties that speak confidently of their origin.

Under Christie's stewardship, Turkey Flat has gained increasing recognition for wines that balance power with elegance, concentration with finesse, and tradition with innovation. The 1847 Shiraz vines remain the centrepiece of the family-owned estate, producing fruit of extraordinary quality and historical significance.

Barossa Valley Location & Terroir

Turkey Flat is located in the Barossa Valley near Tanunda, approximately 60 kilometres northeast of Adelaide, South Australia. The estate sits on the rich flats towards the lower end of Tanunda Creek, the same fertile land that attracted the Plains Bustard and the early Prussian settlers in the 1840s.

The Turkey Flat Terroir

The Turkey Flat vineyard benefits from deep, fertile soils formed by alluvial deposits from Tanunda Creek over millennia. These rich soils, combined with access to underground water sources, provide ideal conditions for viticulture. The site's relatively flat topography and proximity to the creek create a unique microclimate that moderates temperature extremes and supports the ancient vines.

The estate's old vines, with root systems that have penetrated deep into the soil over decades and centuries, access nutrients and water far below the surface. This deep rooting, combined with the vines' natural balance achieved through age, produces small crops of intensely concentrated fruit with exceptional flavour complexity and natural harmony.

Barossa Valley Climate

The Barossa Valley experiences a warm, continental climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Summer temperatures regularly reach 30-35°C during January and February, providing ample warmth for ripening full-bodied red varieties like Shiraz, Grenache, and Mourvèdre. Annual rainfall averages 500-650mm, with most precipitation falling during winter months.

The extended growing season and warm conditions allow grapes to achieve full physiological maturity, developing ripe tannins, deep colour, and the concentrated flavours that characterise Barossa wines. Cool nights provide crucial temperature moderation, preserving natural acidity and allowing complex flavour development.

The 1847 Shiraz Vines

The 1847 Shiraz vines planted by Johann Fiedler are Turkey Flat's most precious viticultural asset and amongst Australia's most significant old vines. Approaching 180 years of continuous production, these ancient vines represent living history and an irreplaceable genetic and cultural resource.

Old Vine Characteristics

The 1847 vines are gnarled, twisted, and remarkably low-yielding, producing tiny crops of intensely concentrated fruit. Their deep root systems, developed over nearly two centuries, access water and nutrients from deep soil layers, allowing the vines to thrive even in dry conditions without irrigation. The vines' natural balance, achieved through extreme age, produces fruit with exceptional flavour concentration, complexity, and natural harmony between sugar, acid, and tannin.

These ancient vines produce Shiraz of extraordinary character, with depth, complexity, and structure that young vines simply cannot replicate. The fruit displays classic Barossa Shiraz characters—dark berry fruits, chocolate, liquorice, and spice—with additional layers of complexity, savoury notes, and textural refinement that come only from extreme vine age.

Cultural & Historical Significance

The 1847 Shiraz vines are not merely agricultural assets; they are living monuments to the Barossa's viticultural heritage and the vision of the early Prussian settlers. These vines have survived economic depressions, world wars, phylloxera scares, changing wine fashions, and the vine pull schemes of the 1980s. Their survival is testament to the Schulz family's commitment to preserving the estate's heritage and recognising the irreplaceable value of old vines.

The vines play a vital role in the Barossa Valley's rich cultural heritage, representing continuity between past and present and demonstrating that with careful stewardship, vines can produce exceptional fruit for centuries.

Turkey Flat Wine Range

Turkey Flat Shiraz

The flagship Turkey Flat Shiraz is crafted predominantly from the estate's ancient 1847 vines, blended with fruit from other old-vine parcels across the property. This wine represents the pinnacle of Barossa Shiraz, showcasing the power, richness, and complexity for which the region is renowned, whilst maintaining balance and elegance.

The Shiraz displays intense dark berry fruits, chocolate, liquorice, and spice, with layers of earth, leather, and savoury complexity derived from the old vines. Firm but ripe tannins provide structure, whilst subtle oak maturation in French and American barrels adds complexity without overwhelming the fruit. The wine is built for long cellaring, evolving gracefully over 20-30 years whilst also offering immediate pleasure.

Butchers Block Red

Butchers Block is Turkey Flat's Rhône-style blend, combining Shiraz, Grenache, and Mourvèdre (Mataro) in varying proportions depending on the vintage. This wine showcases Christie Schulz's skill in sensitively blending traditional Rhône varieties that speak confidently of their Barossa origin.

The blend offers bright red berry fruits from Grenache, structure and depth from Shiraz, and earthy complexity from Mourvèdre, creating a harmonious, food-friendly wine with excellent versatility. The wine is approachable in youth but rewards cellaring for 5-10 years as the components integrate and develop savoury complexity.

Grenache

Turkey Flat Grenache is crafted from old bush vines that produce tiny yields of intensely flavoured fruit. The wine showcases Grenache's ability to produce wines of elegance and sophistication, with bright red cherry and raspberry fruits, white pepper, herbs, and floral aromatics. Silky tannins and vibrant acidity make it exceptionally food-friendly and more approachable than the powerful Shiraz.

Mourvèdre (Mataro)

Turkey Flat produces a varietal Mourvèdre (known locally as Mataro), showcasing this often-overlooked variety as a standalone wine rather than merely a blending component. The wine displays earthy, savoury characters with dark berry fruits, game, leather, and spice. Firm tannins and robust structure make it ideal for rich, flavourful dishes and extended cellaring.

Rosé

Turkey Flat Rosé is a serious, textured wine crafted from Grenache, Shiraz, and Mourvèdre. Unlike simple, early-drinking rosés, this is a complex wine with depth, structure, and food-pairing versatility. The wine displays red berry fruits, spice, and savoury notes with surprising weight and length, capable of ageing for 2-4 years.

White Wines

Turkey Flat also produces white wines including Marsanne and Roussanne, Rhône varieties that complement the estate's red wine focus. These wines showcase the Barossa's ability to produce exceptional whites alongside its famous reds, with texture, complexity, and food-friendly character.

Winemaking Philosophy

Turkey Flat's winemaking philosophy emphasises minimal intervention, allowing the quality of old-vine fruit and the unique Turkey Flat terroir to express themselves clearly. The approach combines traditional techniques with contemporary understanding, respecting the legacy of Johann Fiedler's experimental spirit whilst honouring the Schulz family's generations of accumulated knowledge.

Vineyard-Driven Approach

The foundation of Turkey Flat wines is the estate's exceptional old vineyards, particularly the 1847 Shiraz vines. Extensive viticultural research undertaken by Christie Schulz and her team informs sustainable farming practices that promote vine health and fruit quality whilst preserving these irreplaceable viticultural resources for future generations.

Low yields are maintained through careful pruning and crop management, concentrating flavour and ensuring physiological ripeness. Hand-harvesting preserves fruit integrity, whilst selective picking ensures only the best fruit enters the winery.

Traditional Winemaking

In the winery, traditional methods prevail. Red wines are fermented in open-top fermenters with gentle extraction techniques including hand plunging and pump-overs. Maturation occurs in French and American oak barrels, with new oak levels carefully calibrated to complement rather than dominate the fruit. The wines are bottled with minimal filtration to preserve texture and complexity.

Awards & Recognition

Turkey Flat wines have earned extraordinary acclaim from critics and competitions worldwide. The estate's Shiraz, in particular, has received numerous accolades including:

• Multiple 95+ point scores from leading international critics
• Consistent 5-star winery rating from James Halliday Wine Companion
• Trophy and gold medal wins at major Australian and international wine shows
• Recognition as one of Australia's finest examples of old-vine Shiraz

The estate's other releases, including Butchers Block, Grenache, and Mourvèdre, have similarly impressed critics and collectors who appreciate wines of authenticity, provenance, and genuine old-vine character.

Sustainability & Heritage Preservation

As custodians of some of Australia's oldest vines and a property with nearly 180 years of viticultural history, the Schulz family takes seriously their responsibility to preserve this heritage for future generations. Sustainable farming practices, water conservation, and soil health are priorities, ensuring the long-term productivity and health of the estate's precious old vines.

The family's commitment extends beyond their own property to supporting the broader Barossa community and advocating for the preservation of old vines throughout the region. Their stewardship demonstrates that with care and respect, vineyards can produce exceptional fruit for centuries, providing continuity between past, present, and future.

Food & Wine Pairing

Turkey Flat wines are exceptionally food-friendly, with their balance and structure making them versatile pairing partners. The Shiraz complements rich, flavourful dishes including braised beef, lamb shanks, game, and aged cheeses. The Grenache pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, duck, mushroom dishes, and charcuterie, whilst Butchers Block suits barbecued meats and Mediterranean cuisine.

The Mourvèdre matches robust, earthy dishes including cassoulet, wild boar, and strong cheeses, whilst the Rosé pairs with charcuterie, seafood, and Asian cuisine. The white wines complement seafood, poultry, and creamy dishes.

Why Choose Turkey Flat Wines

Wine Sellers Direct offers great value across the Turkey Flat range, delivering historic Barossa Valley wines direct to your door with Australia-wide delivery. With vines planted in 1847 and four generations of Schulz family stewardship, Turkey Flat produces wines of extraordinary heritage, authenticity, and quality.

Discover wines crafted from some of Australia's oldest continuously producing vines, tended by a family whose connection to the land spans over 160 years. From the flagship Shiraz showcasing the 1847 vines to elegant Grenache and complex Rhône blends, Turkey Flat wines offer genuine provenance and the depth of character that only extreme vine age and dedicated stewardship can deliver.

Experience wines that honour the legacy of Johann Fiedler's pioneering spirit, the Schulz family's generations of accumulated knowledge, and the unique landscape that attracted the Plains Bustard nearly two centuries ago. Turkey Flat represents living history in every bottle—a tangible connection to the Barossa's rich viticultural heritage and a testament to the enduring quality of Australia's oldest vines.