Burge Family Winemakers

The Burge Family Winemaking tradition first started in the late 1860s with John Burge, who migrated to South Australia from Wiltshire (UK) in 1855. By the turn of the century, production ceased and all equipment was sold by John’s son Meshach, and it wasn’t until 1928 that John’s grandson ‘Percival’ recommenced winemaking. Times were tough and about to get worse with falling grape prices and an impending depression.

With determination and a...

When it comes to winemaking, Rick Burge is very much a ‘minimalist’ and believing very much in French concept of ‘terroir’, he prefers to do most of his winemaking in the vineyard in the 5 months leading up to harvest, controlling yields, managing a flavour-inducing canopy and generally aiming for the best possible sugar/acid/flavour balance.

This philosophy is evident in his wines, which are invariably richly coloured and flavoursome, show...

In addition to the family wine background, winemaker Rick Burge has over 40 years’ experience, covering most facets of the wine industry. After leaving Roseworthy College he managed the respectful Melbourne wine merchant W.J. Seabrook, before accepting an employment offer from Brown Brothers where he successfully relaunched St Leonards Vineyard label for its Milawa based owners: an experience which was to prove invaluable in revitalising the f...