Glaetzer

Ben Glaetzer

Ben Glaetzer graduated in winemaking from Adelaide University, after working at Barossa Valley Estate during school and university holidays.

Having worked in the Hunter Valley and travelling extensively throughout many of the worlds wine regions, Ben returned to the Barossa and joined the family company.

Ben’s ability to blend traditional winemaking techniques with a modern flair is reflected in the style of all wines under the Glaetzer label.

Ben Glaetzer has chalked up some prestigious winemaking honours. These include:

• New World Winemaker of the Year in Behind the Label 2006 (UK).
• Qantas Young Winemaker of the Year in 2004.
• Robert M. Parker Jnr chose Ben as his Wine Personality of the Year 2005. Parker said: "When I look at the winemaker behind some of my favourite Australian wines, the name Ben Glaetzer seems to come up frequently. From a winemaking family dating back to the late 19th century, he has shown an exquisite talent for accessing fabulous vineyards and turning out world class wines from old-vine Shiraz and Grenache. His Amon-Ra Shiraz is one of the great new wines of Australia, made with power as well as elegance. This is a serious talent who has exploded on the wine scene with a brilliant array of wines".
• The 2004 Godolphin was the winner of The Great Australian Red in a national competition to find the best shiraz / cabernet sauvignon blend in Australia.
• Ben gathered an impressive swag of awards at MUNDUSvini 2007, the most important wine prize in Germany. A total of 12 awards, including one Double Gold for Godolphin 2005; nine Gold awards, spread over Glaetzer, Heartland & Mitolo; and two Silver awards. This is the best result a single winemaker has had in the competition's history.
• In January 2008, Ben was named by Graham Boynton of London’s Telegraph newspaper as one of "five icons of Australia’s cultural cool".
• Glaetzer Anaperenna 2006 was awarded the trophy for Best Australian Red Blend over £10 at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2008.
• Glaetzer Anaperenna 2006 was also chosen as one of the "Landmark Australia" wines in the Wine Australia marketing program in 2008. Landmark Australia showcases Australia’s fine wines of distinction.
• In 2008 Ben was named a "Comet" – one of the world's bright young winemakers by Ray Isle in Food & Drink Magazine, USA.
• In both 2008 & 2009 Ben was nominated (along with only five other nominees) for The Wine Enthusiast magazine (USA) Winemaker of the Year.
• Ben has been made a "Baron of the Barossa" for his contribution to the cultural fabric of the Barossa Valley. Life membership of this wine fraternity is by invitation only.
• In July 2011 & July 2012 Ben Glaetzer, Glaetzer Wines was awarded 5 stars in James Halliday 2012 & 2013 Wine Companions.