Willows Winery: Lisa McAskill visits the Barossa Valley region of South Australia
The pickers in the Barossa have been working at a frantic pace as the Valley gears up for what should be another classic vintage.
And in the Willows Vineyard, Peter Scholz continues a family tradition. “We've been here since 1845,” said Peter, “I'm sixth generation on the place.”
A Prussian doctor settled the Willows, J.G. Scholz and his descendants have continued in the medical profession. But the Scholz clan was known for something a little less tasty than the Shiraz and cabernets produced today. It's said their old liniment had amazing curative powers. But lovers of fine wine are certainly glad they made the move to something more enticing and truth be known, just as healthy.
“We didn't start growing grapes until 1936,” said Peter. “My grandfather planted the first vineyard and up until that time we had a mixed farm - pigs, cattle and sheep and fruit trees. We also ran a hospital on the place so it was quite a mixture of activities.”
Today the cottage once built for Peter's grandparents is the Willows Cellar Door area and inside, the winemaker pours forth with medical tales that explain the rather odd names for the Willows wine selection.
“My ancestors have all been doctors. They ran a hospital called The Willows Hospital and the original guy who came out from Silesia was a bonesetter in the Prussian army, hence the name Bonesetter.”
JG's orthopedic skills were passed onto his son, W.H. Scholz. Inside the Willows you can still see the old German medical books and splints. It was the sort of knowledge and equipment needed to treat the powerful Barossa landowner John Howard Angas who suffered from a badly set broken femur. Suffering constant leg pain, Angas couldn't ride until WH came up with a rather painful and radical solution. When Angas wasn't looking WH broke his leg!! It wasn't a popular move but when reset Angas could again enjoy life to the full. And the Angas family certainly showed its appreciation.
“The Angas family gave W.H. Scholz five hundred pounds to build a hospital.” explained Peter.
Built in 1856 and extended in 1883 it's now the Scholz family home with a family secret or two befitting the great, great, great grandson of a Prussian bonesetter. Peter grins and opens a cupboard to reveal a skeleton in the closet - literally!
“Everybody's got something in their closet and we're no different,” he laughed. “It’s quite authentic. It frightened the kids - it frightened me as I was growing up I can assure you.”
The skeleton's a family heirloom so you might not get to see it. But the Bonesetter shiraz and the sparkling red known, as "The Doctor" are certainly available at the Willow's Cellar Door. It's off Light Pass Road in the Barossa Valley.
The Willows Winery
Light Pass Road
Nuriootpa
Cellar Door Open Daily
