Founded in 1984, Charles Melton Wines is a small, family-run winery in the Barossa Valley with an important place in the region’s modern wine history. After gaining experience under legendary Barossa winemaker Peter Lehmann, Charlie Melton became one of the early advocates for the region’s old-vine Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro. During the 1980s, when many historic vineyards were being removed under government-supported vine-pull schemes, Charlie encouraged growers to preserve these old vines, recognising their potential to produce distinctive, high-quality dry red wines. His efforts helped protect an important part of the Barossa’s viticultural heritage.

Today, Charles Melton continues to specialise in premium, limited-production Barossa wines, with Grenache and Shiraz remaining at the heart of the portfolio. Many of the vineyards are dry-grown and more than 80 years old, with naturally low yields that contribute concentration and character. Traditional techniques including whole-bunch and open fermentation, pigeage and indigenous yeasts are used alongside careful oak maturation to allow the fruit and old-vine character to remain at the forefront. The flagship Nine Popes, first produced in 1988 and inspired by the great Grenache-based wines of the Rhône, has become one of the estate’s defining wines and a benchmark expression of Charlie Melton’s commitment to the Barossa’s historic varieties.