■ OUR STORY
Over 175 years and seven generations of tradition, passion, and craftsmanship vinified into every bottle.
For over 175 years, our family has proudly tended vineyards in South Australia, beginning in 1848 on the banks of Jacobs Creek, Barossa Valley. We are the keepers of a legacy that spans generations—a legacy that has weathered challenges, embraced triumphs, and continues to thrive today. Winemaking, for us, is more than producing wine; it’s about preserving a family legacy, nurturing the land, and crafting something truly timeless.
Today, Vindana Wines stands as a testament to resilience, passion, and the enduring spirit of our family. With accolades including multiple 95-point ratings and a “5 Star Winery” classification from James Halliday’s Wine Companion, we continue to craft wines that honour our heritage and reflect the soul of the Barossa Valley.
We invite you to share in our remarkable journey and become part of our story.
■ OUR HISTORY
From Prussia to the Barossa:
A Journey of Resilience
Our story began in 1838 when Johann George Mattner and his family fled religious persecution in Prussia, arriving in South Australia after a grueling three-month voyage. Settling first in Klemzig, they became naturalized Australians and, by 1846, purchased land on the banks of Jacobs Creek in Rowland Flat—planting the first vines and laying the foundation for seven generations of vignerons. Alongside pioneers like Johann Gramp (Orlando Wines), the Mattner and Magen (Morgen) family embraced viticulture, forging a legacy that continues today.
■ OUR JOURNEY
From Humble Beginnings to a Revival of Legacy
In 1968, Dennis Morgen, Scott Higginson’s grandfather, founded Vindana Wines. With little formal training but an abundance of determination, Dennis crushed and processed grapes himself, defying the challenges of an oversupplied market. The name “Vindana,” derived from the Australian First Nations term windana (meaning “which way” or “turning point”), symbolized the resilience and vision that defined his journey.
Dennis’s passion for winemaking was fueled by family like Alf Scholz (Penfolds), mentors & friends like Doug Collett (Berri Winery), Hermann Thumm (Chateau Yaldara) as well as the legendary Mel Bell of Seppeltsfield, who entrusted him with decades of winemaking journals and records. These priceless resources, passed down to Scott, became the foundation for Vindana’s revival.
Today, Scott Higginson, the seventh-generation custodian, continues this legacy. After completing studies at Roseworthy and two decades of experience in the wine industry, Scott returned to the family’s origins in the Barossa Valley, reviving Vindana Wines with the same grit and passion that defined his grandfather’s journey.
From one Generation, to the next.
■ OUR PROCESS
Tradition, Terroir, and Timeless Craftsmanship
As traditional, artisan vignerons, we focus on showcasing single vineyard sites through low-intervention winemaking. Our wines reflect the unique character of the Barossa Valley, with a commitment to fruit purity, balance, and sustainability.
We honour the land as custodians, preserving its heritage for future generations. From hand-harvesting to gravity-fed transfers and extended oak maturation, every step of our process is guided by a respect for tradition and a dedication to quality.
