Turkey Flat Vineyards

Turkey Flat Vineyards carries more than 175 years of Barossa history. Its name dates back to the Prussian settlers of Bethany and Langmeil, who saw a large native Plains Bustard on the fertile flats beside Tanunda Creek and mistook it for a turkey.

The bird and the original landscape remain part of Turkey Flat’s identity, with the Plains Bustard represented in the label artwork and the same historic land continuing to support the estate’s vineyards.

From the First Vines to the Schulz Family

Silesian settler Johann Friedrich August Fiedler planted the first Shiraz vines on the banks of Tanunda Creek in 1847. He became one of the Barossa’s earliest experimental viticulturists, testing numerous grape varieties to determine which were best suited to the new settlement.

In 1865, the property was purchased by Gottlieb Ernst Schulz, a successful butcher whose business operated among the vines. The property later moved into dairying, but its vineyards were carefully preserved.

The original bluestone butcher’s shop was eventually restored as the Turkey Flat cellar door. The ancient Shiraz vines planted by Fiedler remain central to the estate and are now among the oldest surviving vines in Australia.

Fourth-Generation Custodianship

The Schulz family has cared for Turkey Flat since the 1860s. Today, fourth-generation proprietor Christie Schulz leads the estate and continues the family’s responsibility for protecting its vineyards, heritage and reputation.

Christie helped establish the modern Turkey Flat Vineyards business in 1990. Her role spans the management of the winery, cellar door, wine production, packaging, marketing and international representation.

Her background in professional photography and business management has helped shape the visual identity of Turkey Flat while retaining the authenticity of the historic family property.

Winemaking Led by the Vineyard

Chief Winemaker James Adams is a sixth-generation Barossan from a family with winemaking roots dating back to 1919. After completing his oenology degree in 2009, he built extensive experience with respected Barossa producers including Kalleske, Hewitson and Schild Estate.

James believes wine should express the vineyard, land and soil from which it comes. His role at Turkey Flat is to guide the estate-grown fruit into artisan wines that retain clear varietal character and a strong connection to place.

This vineyard-led philosophy supports a diverse collection that includes the estate’s historic Shiraz alongside Grenache, Mataro, Cabernet Sauvignon and other varieties suited to Turkey Flat’s Barossa sites.

Working in Harmony with the Land

Turkey Flat manages its vineyards as living ecosystems, allowing natural conditions to guide vine growth and yield. Small crops and minimal intervention encourage balanced vines and fruit that reaches full flavour and ripeness.

Permanent cover crops help build organic matter, protect against erosion and support soil health through the Barossa’s dry seasons. Low disease pressure allows the vineyard team to farm with natural inputs and minimal spraying.

The long-term priority is vine longevity, particularly the preservation of the estate’s oldest plantings for future generations.

Sustainable Vines and Winery

Turkey Flat’s sustainability practices extend beyond the vineyard. The winery operates primarily on solar energy, reducing its reliance on external electricity and making use of the Barossa’s abundant sunlight.

Rainwater is collected and reused throughout the estate, while regenerative farming practices are used to improve soil health, biodiversity and the resilience of the surrounding landscape.

This combination of family custodianship, historic vineyards and evolving environmental practices allows Turkey Flat to protect its heritage while preparing the estate for the generations still to come.