Our Heritage

The Thumm family has been involved in viticulture and winemaking for over three hundred years, originally in the Neckar Valley, a tributary to the Rhine in one of the most delightful wine producing regions of Germany.

Hermann Thumm (1912-2009) brought his colourful family traditions with him when he emigrated to Australia in 1946. Almost immediately he found the ideal site to begin his new winery, the ruins of a historic flour mill dating from 1867 situated at the junction of two streams and surrounded by majestic gum trees. This was the perfect base for Hermann Thumm to forge his life’s dream; a winery/chateau complex reminiscent of the old country.

He named the winery “Yaldara” an aboriginal word meaning “sparkling. This was a very fitting name as Chateau Yaldara has become renowned for its champagnes and sparkling wines.

In 1947 wine production in Australia was still concentrated on ports, sherries and muscats. Chateau Yaldara’s first vintages, however, were red and white wines in the European style. These wines quickly developed a large following; Chateau Yaldara expanded rapidly into sparkling wines and champagnes and introduced Spaetlese (late picked) wines to Australia.

For most, retirement is a time to tend the garden and potter around the house.

Not so for Hermann and Inge Thumm. Chateau Yaldara was sold in 1999, and at the tender age of 88, Hermann started all over again!
Chateau Barrosa was created to share with the public their lifelong passion for wine, art and antiques.

Dieter, Lena, Robert and Janet Thumm are proud to continue the Thumm legacy; building on a fine family history, forging ahead and creating new Barossa tradition.