Corryton Burge

The Burge family name is one of the best known in Australian winemaking, and as entrenched in Barossan soil as some of its oldest shiraz vines. Sixth generation Amelia and Trent, with the support of their families, invite you to experience Corryton Burge. Wine is a simple pleasure and the Burge family takes pride in the joy it brings to you, and your family and friends. Corryton Burge builds on generations of winemaking passion, and looks with heart and soul towards a long and fruitful future.

Corryton Burge is named for Corryton Park Homestead, the heart and soul of the Burge family. Set amongst gentle hills in Eden Valley, it is guarded by a pair of carved stone griffins. These fabled creatures, now featured on the wine labels, are said to protect precious possessions.

‘Our roots stretch back six generations to one of the earliest immigrant families of the Barossa Valley. Wine isn’t just something we make, it is a part of who we are. We live it every single day. When you pick up a bottle of Corryton Burge, you can be sure we’ve done more than made great wine. We’ve put our heart and soul into it.’ - The Burge Family.

The Burge family’s roots stretch back six generations to one of the original settler families of the Barossa Valley. John and Eliza Burge and their sons Meshach and Henry arrived from England in 1855. They and the generations since have worked tirelessly to build the Burge name into one of the best recognised in the Australian wine industry.

The early settler Burge forebears made fortified wines and sold them door-to-door with a hawker’s license in hand. In more recent times, Burges have cultivated over 300 hectares of vineyards across South Australia and developed some of the Barossa’s most awarded and recognised premium wines. The heart and soul of all that work has been passed down through the generations. Trent and Amelia Burge are today’s caretakers of this legacy, with over 150 years of winemaking passion in their blood. They have created Corryton Burge to build upon the rich history and create something truly special for future generations.

Corryton Burge is named for Corryton Park Homestead, the heart and soul of the Burge family. Set amongst gentle hills in Eden Valley, it is guarded by a pair of proud griffins. These fabled creatures, now featured on the wine labels, are said to protect precious possessions.

Corryton Homestead was built in 1845 and its land first planted with vines in 1851. The property captured the heart of a young Grant Burge as he rode his horse through the region. He admired the elegant Georgian home, set in peaceful gardens and rolling hills, and daydreamed of one day living there. Some years later while courting his wife-to-be, Helen, Grant proclaimed that if the opportunity ever arose, he would buy Corryton Park for her and their future family. Just a few years later Corryton had two new and delighted owners. While Grant turned his attention to the small but exceptional parcel of vines, Helen focused on rejuvenating the estate to its former glory. 

Today Corryton Park Homestead is where the Burge family comes together. Family weddings and milestone birthdays have been celebrated, along with many a casual gathering with friends over good food and wine. This home, with its spirit of family and friendship, embodies the heart and soul of Corryton Burge wines.

The Burge family owns and operates over 300 hectares of vineyard throughout the Barossa region including central and southern Barossa Valley and Eden Valley. Established vines are expertly nurtured year round, thanks to Grant Burge’s passion for viticulture, and an experienced team of local vineyard hands, some who’ve been working with the family for over thirty years.

At the heart of the Corryton Burge vineyard holdings is the vineyard at Corryton Park Homestead. Situated in the Eden Valley, the property was first planted with vines in 1851. When Grant and Helen Burge purchased this property, they soon discovered its higher-altitude microclimate was ideal for Barossan Cabernet Sauvignon. The cool climate spans across many acres of vineyard in one of the most picturesque spots in Eden Valley.

Over many years the family has built an extensive network of over twenty grape growers, including in non-Barossa regions. Many a business transaction is sealed by a handshake rather than a written contract. This combination of family-owned and grower-sourced fruit allows Corryton Burge to create exceptional quality wines through all the natural vintage variations, year upon year.

“Many grape growers have been loyal to our family for generations of their own. It’s a passion shared over decades.” – The Burge Family

“Two principles guide our Corryton Burge winemaking philosophy. Firstly, wine is a simple pleasure that brings family and friends together. Secondly, be true to the variety.”

– Amelia and Trent Burge

Grape growing regions and individual vineyards have been selected to best express each varietal. Fruit-driven winemaking practices allow each wine to clearly and simply assert its true character.

The Burge family owned winery in the heart of Tanunda, Barossa is over 120 years old and is the home of Corryton Burge winemaking. It boasts traditional and modern equipment which allows flexibility in the winemaking approach, selecting the best technique for each parcel of fruit and the desired result. It’s not always a simple, technical decision. With the combined experience of the ‘Kith and Kin’ of this operation, gut feeling often guides decisions within a critical timeframe. It takes courage, belief and a little bit of trust in the elements.

“When you pick up a bottle of Corryton Burge, you can be sure we’ve done more than just made a great wine. We’ve put our heart and soul into it.” – The Burge Family

Matthew Pellew, Chief Winemaker

Chief Winemaker Matt Pellew has a winemaking career that spans more than 30 years. A born and bred South Australian, his experience and dedication to the Burge family makes him a vital part of the Corryton Burge team. His winemaking studies and working life have taken him to the best wine regions around the world, and of course, back to the superlative Barossa. Matt has honed his craft with varieties such as Riesling, Chardonnay and Shiraz. However, when asked about his secret winemaking passion, Matt will admit to enjoying the challenge of mastering blends of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre and producing exquisitely balanced Cabernet from Eden Valley. Matt has an extensive knowledge of oak and selects barrels from multiple coopers around the world, a process equal parts science and art that fulfils the Corryton Burge winemaking philosophy of bringing out the best in each variety. Matt describes being a winemaker as a role that encompasses the best aspects of life. The opportunity to travel and meet wine lovers around the globe excites him as he shares the joy of wine.

Andrew Cockram, Winemaker

Having grown up surrounded by Barossa vineyards and inspired by loved ones who worked in the industry, a career in winemaking was inevitable for Winemaker Andrew Cockram. Andrew has completed fifteen vintages and ever since his first, he was hooked. His thirst for winemaking knowledge saw him commence formal studies in Oenology whilst continuing to work as a cellarhand. Andrew has worked in some of the Barossa’s best winemaking facilities, giving him good grounding to discover his niche in white winemaking. His guidance assures the quality and integrity of Corryton Burge’s white wine range. In recent years, he’s travelled to experience the European culture and lifestyle of Piedmont, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne and Alsace. When he’s not sampling fine wines of the world, he’s partial to their best cheese, with Epoisses from Burgundy a favourite. Outside of work, you’ll find Andrew exploring the great outdoors with his young family, enjoying a glass of wine with friends and working on his culinary skills in the kitchen.