The History

No history of the Barossa Valley or the Australian wine industry is complete without the mention of Saltram.

In 1844, a recently arrived immigrant from England named William Salter was one of the first people to purchase land in the newly opened land survey known as the Barossa Valley.

He built a stone house for his family naming it ‘Mamre Brook' after Abraham's spiritual home in the book of Genesis. Mamre Brook House still stands today as the spiritual home of Saltram. William Salter and Son's first planted grapes in 1859 and in 1862 produced 8000 litres of a wine appropriately named ‘No.1 Shiraz'. Saltram's wines have long been renowned for their richness, intensity and character - from a bright young Semillon to a deep and complex Barossa Shiraz.

'Mamre Brook' the famous house behind the range of wines of the same name, collected the coveted Stodart trophy in 2003 at the Brisbane Wine show. Many of Australia's most influential and celebrated winemakers have passed through Saltram's cellar doors throughout its history.

The Winemaker Shavaughn Wells

After studying Oenology at Adelaide University's famous Roseworthy Campus, Shavaughn graduated in 1998.

After years of working for famous wineries including Yelloglen, Yarra Ridge, St Hubert's and Wolf Blass, Shavaughn began working on Saltram red wines in 2005, alongside Barossa legend Nigel Dolan. Shavaughn believes the Barossa is such a fascinating place to work with Shiraz. "The unique expression of each sub region allows us to craft wines which truly reflect the Barossa's distinctive character."

Saltram's long history in the Barossa has created its unique house style of wines displaying concentration and intensity. Shavaughn recognises the privilege of being a part of Saltram, which has been a significant contributor to the Australian wine industry since 1859.

In recognition of Shavaughn's passion and understanding of Australian and international wine styles she was awarded a coveted Len Evans Scholarship in 2008.