Winter School Holidays: Our Partnership with Barossa Wildlife Rescue

At Kies Family Wines, we often talk about family, community and caring for the land.

For six generations, our family has worked among the vineyards of the Barossa, watching the seasons change and sharing this beautiful part of the world with the people who visit us each year.

But we're not the only ones who call the Barossa home.

Among the vines, gum trees and creek lines live countless native animals that are just as much a part of our landscape as the vineyards themselves.

That is why we are proud to announce our partnership with Barossa Wildlife Rescue.

Inspired by One Little Wallaroo

Earlier this year, we were fortunate enough to spend some time with Milo, a young rescued wallaroo currently in the care of the incredible volunteers at Barossa Wildlife Rescue.

Like many rescue animals, Milo's story could have ended very differently without the dedication of local volunteers who give their time, energy and resources to caring for injured and orphaned native wildlife.

Meeting Milo reminded us just how much work happens behind the scenes.

While most of us are asleep, volunteers are often responding to call-outs, transporting injured animals, preparing specialised feeds and providing round-the-clock care for wildlife that has nowhere else to go.

It is a remarkable commitment, driven entirely by a love for Australia's native animals.

Supporting Those Who Care

As a family business deeply connected to the Barossa landscape, we wanted to find a meaningful way to support the people who spend countless hours protecting local wildlife.

This partnership is about more than a single fundraiser.

It is about raising awareness of the important work being done every day by Barossa Wildlife Rescue and encouraging our community to get involved.

Throughout the year, we will be working together on a range of initiatives designed to educate visitors, support wildlife rescue efforts and contribute financially to the organisation's ongoing work.

Wildlife Warriors School Holiday Campaign

Our first initiative together will launch during the winter school holidays.

Families visiting Monkey Nut Café will have the opportunity to learn more about local wildlife through children's activity packs, wildlife education sessions and fundraising activities, with proceeds helping support Barossa Wildlife Rescue.

Children will even have the chance to meet Joeys and learn more about the challenges facing Australia's native wildlife.

We believe there is no better way to inspire the next generation than by helping children connect with the animals that share our region.

>> BOOK NOW <<

Looking Ahead

The Barossa is known around the world for its wine, food and hospitality, but it is also home to extraordinary wildlife and an incredible network of volunteers who work tirelessly to protect it.

We are honoured to play a small role in supporting that work.

To everyone who supports Kies Family Wines, visits Monkey Nut Café, purchases a Wildlife Warriors Kids Pack or contributes to one of our fundraising activities, thank you.

Together, we can help ensure that animals like Milo continue to have a future in the Barossa.

Because caring for the land means caring for everything that lives on it.

Thank You

The Kies family story in South Australia dates back to 1857, and we genuinely never take your support for granted.

When you order wine from us, you are supporting:
🍇 Local vineyard and winery jobs
🍷 Australian manufacturing
❤️ A real family business in Lyndoch
👧 The 7th generation of the Kies family

Every order genuinely means something to us.

So from the bottom of our hearts… thank you for continuing to support our little family winery.

Cheers,

Jesse Kies
Kies Family Wines

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There are certain wines that never make it to the public untouched.

Before they reach shelves, before they appear in Wine Club packs and before they become favourites around dinner tables, they pass through the hands of our Wine Club members first.

On Saturday 11 July, we're opening the doors to the winery for one of our favourite events of the year — the 2026 New Release Wine Tasting, hosted by sixth-generation winemaker Bronson Kies.

This exclusive tasting is your opportunity to sample the newest wines from Kies Family Wines before they are released to the wider public, while hearing directly from the person who crafted them.

A First Taste of the New Vintage

Guests will enjoy a guided tasting of seven exciting new and returning releases, including:

• 2026 Shepard Vuk White Shiraz
• 2026 Heysen Gold Frontignac
• 2026 Sparkling Tina Moscato
• 2026 Sparkling Polly Rosé
• 2026 Deer Stalker Merlot
• 2026 Deer Stalker Shiraz

Each wine tells a story of the season, the vineyard and the family behind it. Throughout the tasting, Bronson will share insights into the vintage, the challenges faced in the winery and the decisions that shaped each wine's final style.

The Return of Deer Stalker

After selling out completely and spending more than a month unavailable, the much-loved Deer Stalker Merlot and Deer Stalker Shiraz are finally returning.

Guests attending the tasting will be among the very first to sample the new vintage and secure their allocation before the general public.

For many of our members, this alone is worth the ticket.

A Sneak Peek at the Future

Perhaps the most exciting wine of the afternoon won't actually be released for quite some time.

As part of the tasting, guests will enjoy an exclusive preview of our upcoming Chardonnay, a wine not expected to be released until late 2026 or even 2027.

This rare sneak peek offers a fascinating insight into the future direction of Kies Family Wines and a unique opportunity to taste a wine still in its development journey.

Hosted by Winemaker Bronson Kies

One of the things that makes this event so special is the opportunity to spend time with Bronson himself.

Wine tasting is one thing. Hearing directly from the winemaker about why a wine tastes the way it does, how it was made and what he's excited about is something entirely different.

This relaxed one-hour tasting offers guests the chance to ask questions, learn more about the wines and gain a genuine behind-the-scenes understanding of the family winery.

Limited Tickets Available

To keep the experience personal and interactive, numbers are strictly limited.

Whether you're a long-time Wine Club member, a Deer Stalker devotee or simply someone who enjoys discovering new wines before anyone else, this is a rare opportunity to experience the next chapter of Kies Family Wines before the rest of the world.

We look forward to raising a glass with you on 11 July.

2026 New Release Wine Tasting
Hosted by Winemaker Bronson Kies

📍 Kies Family Wines, Lyndoch
📅 Saturday 11 July 2026
🍷 Limited Tickets Available

>> BOOK NOW <<

Thank You

The Kies family story in South Australia dates back to 1857, and we genuinely never take your support for granted.

When you order wine from us, you are supporting:
🍇 Local vineyard and winery jobs
🍷 Australian manufacturing
❤️ A real family business in Lyndoch
👧 The 7th generation of the Kies family

Every order genuinely means something to us.

So from the bottom of our hearts… thank you for continuing to support our little family winery.

Cheers,

Jesse Kies
Kies Family Wines

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At Kies Family Wines, we’ve always tried to do things a little differently.

We’ve never wanted to be the biggest winery in Australia. We’ve simply wanted to make honest Barossa wine, welcome people warmly into our little corner of Lyndoch, and create wines that become part of birthdays, BBQs, celebrations and family dinners around Australia.

For many years, we have worked incredibly hard to keep both our wine pricing and shipping rates as affordable as possible, absorbing significant increases behind the scenes as a small family business.

But recently, like many businesses across Australia, we’ve continued to face rising costs across:
~ Freight and fuel
~ Glass and packaging
~ Sparkling wine production
~ Manufacturing expenses

This week, I personally received another notification from Australia Post advising that the current fuel surcharge has now increased to 19%.

Truthfully… we tried really hard to absorb this one.

However, between rising carrier costs, heavier wine consignments and increasing freight charges into regional Australia, we unfortunately can no longer carry the full increase ourselves.

As a result, we are introducing updated shipping zones moving forward.

Standard Shipping Zone

For Australia, shipping will remain at:

📦 $10 Flat Shipping + $1.95 Australia Post Fuel Surcharge

This applies to most metro and regional areas Australia-wide.

(Current port and container shipping limitations still apply.)

Even at these updated freight rates, we are still absorbing a significant portion of shipping costs ourselves.

A Few Small Product Adjustments

Alongside shipping changes, there are also a few product price updates taking effect shortly:

🍾 Sparkling Tina Moscato
$22 → $24

🍾 Sparkling Polly Rosé
$20 → $22
(The sparkling process has unfortunately become significantly more expensive.)

🍷 Port Container Refills
All containers +$3

Truthfully, we haven’t increased our container pricing in around 30 years. But after needing to source entirely new containers, we now need to pass on a small portion of those costs.

New Container Pricing

2L Containers
~ Tawny $24
~ White Muscat $23
~ Ruby $22

5L Containers
~ Tawny $53.50
~ Ruby $48.50
~ White Muscat $51

💡 Little reminder:
If you bring your own container, the per litre wine price remains exactly the same… so maybe pop one in the boot now before you forget 😂

The Good News?

We are still choosing to keep:
🍷 Deer Stalker Merlot at $20
🍷 Deer Stalker Shiraz at $20

Because we know times are tough, and we still want great Barossa wine to remain accessible for everyday moments.

Thank You

The Kies family story in South Australia dates back to 1857, and we genuinely never take your support for granted.

When you order wine from us, you are supporting:
🍇 Local vineyard and winery jobs
🍷 Australian manufacturing
❤️ A real family business in Lyndoch
👧 The 7th generation of the Kies family

Every order genuinely means something to us.

So from the bottom of our hearts… thank you for continuing to support our little family winery.

Cheers,

Jesse Kies
Kies Family Wines

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Easter is just around the corner, and we wanted to let you know when you can join us in the Barossa over the long weekend.

We will be closed on Good Friday, giving our team a well-earned break.

From there, we’re back open and ready to welcome you:

Saturday – Open
Sunday – Open
Monday – Open

🍷 Wine Tastings available from 9:00am – 4:00pm daily

Whether you're visiting for a relaxed tasting, a long lunch at Monkey Nut Café, or simply to soak up the views across the Barossa Ranges, we’d love to see you.

Easter is always a beautiful time in the vines — slower, relaxed, and perfect for gathering with friends and family.

We can’t wait to welcome you across the weekend!

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SATURDAY 4TH APRIL
Marquee at Kies – Easter Saturday Day Edition

Marquee at Kies – Picnic Menu by Monkey Nut Cafe
🎶 Live music with Jules Bachmann | 12pm – 2pm 🎶

NOW SOLD OUT

BOOK TABLE IN THE MARQUEE NOW...

BOOK THE KIDS EASTER HUNT NOW...

VISITING OVER GATHER ROUND?

🎟 Got tickets to Barossa Park?

We’d love to welcome you across the road at Kies Family Wines:

• Walk straight over after the game
• Wine, cocktails, food & live music waiting
• Family-friendly space to relax after the siren
• No driving stress — catch the 7pm bus to Gawler station
• Stay for one glass… or linger all afternoon

Footy first. Barossa after.

👉 Book your group in now

There’s something special about Easter in the Barossa…
slower days, fresh air, and a little bit of magic for the kids.

This Easter Saturday, we’re creating a relaxed afternoon in the vines — where families can settle in, share good food, and enjoy the moment together.

From 12:00pm to 3:30pm, the marquee will come alive with live acoustic music, setting the tone for a laid-back Barossa afternoon. Think picnic-style dining, a glass of wine in hand, and space for the kids to run and explore.

And for the little ones… we’ve created something just for them.

Our Kies Easter Passport invites kids to hunt for hidden golden eggs around the marquee. Each discovery earns them a stamp, and once complete, they’ll be rewarded with their very own Easter egg. It’s simple, fun, and a little bit magical.

We’ll also be giving away a special Easter hamper for the best coloured passport — because sometimes it’s the little moments that make the day.

It’s not about big crowds or over-the-top celebrations…
just good wine, good food, and a chance to slow down and enjoy Easter together.

💛 Free for kids to take part
🍷 Wine, food and picnic menu available
🎶 Live music in the marquee

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SATURDAY 4TH APRIL
Marquee at Kies – Easter Saturday Day Edition

Marquee at Kies – Picnic Menu by Monkey Nut Cafe
🎶 Live music with Jules Bachmann | 12pm – 2pm 🎶

BOOK TABLE IN THE MARQUEE NOW...

BOOK THE KIDS EASTER HUNT NOW...

VISITING OVER GATHER ROUND?

🎟 Got tickets to Barossa Park?

We’d love to welcome you across the road at Kies Family Wines:

• Walk straight over after the game
• Wine, cocktails, food & live music waiting
• Family-friendly space to relax after the siren
• No driving stress — catch the 7pm bus to Gawler station
• Stay for one glass… or linger all afternoon

Footy first. Barossa after.

👉 Book your group in now

If you haven't yet been down to THE MARQUEE AT KIES, this March Long Weekend is the time to do it...

~ Look at the forecast - just sunny skies and great vibes ~

~ A Barossa Wild Life Rescue tractor + tree for the kids to climb and sprawling lawns for the kids to run around on ~

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SATURDAY 7TH MARCH
Marquee at Kies – Asian Tucker Food Truck

Big flavours, vineyard views and a glass of your favourite Kies wine in hand.

Join us under the Marquee as Asian Tucker serves up bold, delicious street-style dishes in the heart of the Barossa.

Gather your friends, settle in and let lunch be easy.

SUNDAY 8TH MARCH
Marquee at Kies – Fleurieu Pizza
🎶 Live music with Joe Ahern | 12pm – 3pm 🎶

Wood-fired pizza, live acoustic tunes and 180° vineyard views...

Fleurieu Pizza will be firing up their crowd favourites while Joe Ahern sets the vibe from 12–3pm.

Add a glass of Sparkling Shiraz or your favourite drop and you’ve got the perfect afternoon sorted.

BOOK NOW...

VISITING OVER GATHER ROUND?

🎟 Got tickets to Barossa Park?

We’d love to welcome you across the road at Kies Family Wines:

• Walk straight over after the game
• Wine, cocktails, food & live music waiting
• Family-friendly space to relax after the siren
• No driving stress — catch the 7pm bus to Gawler station
• Stay for one glass… or linger all afternoon

Footy first. Barossa after.

👉 Book your group in now

As a business and family we have the a long standing respect and love for those who serve and we are so honoured that one of our team members has offered to play the "Last Post" to commemorate Anzac Day.

So at 11am tomorrow morning, Elyse, will be playing the "Last Post" at Kies Family Wines & Monkey Nut Cafe, followed by a minute silence.

We will then be offering all guests a nip of Tawny, in commemoration of the ANZACs.

No bookings necessary. All welcome.

VISITING OVER GATHER ROUND?

🎟 Got tickets to Barossa Park?

We’d love to welcome you across the road at Kies Family Wines:

• Walk straight over after the game
• Wine, cocktails, food & live music waiting
• Family-friendly space to relax after the siren
• No driving stress — catch the 7pm bus to Gawler station
• Stay for one glass… or linger all afternoon

Footy first. Barossa after.

👉 Book your group in now

Calling all Mercedes Benz owners for this special Barossa event...

Mercedes-Benz Club SA at Kies Family Wines

On Wednesday 26 February at 12:30pm, we are delighted to welcome the Mercedes-Benz Club SA to Kies Family Wines for a special hosted experience.

Guests will enjoy a complimentary guided tasting of six Kies Family Wines, followed by a hosted tour of our winery and barrel hall, offering a behind-the-scenes look at vintage in action.

The experience continues with a beautiful lunch in our brand-new marquee, where guests can relax and enjoy food and drinks available for purchase, all while taking in 180-degree views across the Barossa Ranges and the Kies Family Wines estate.

A relaxed, immersive afternoon celebrating wine, place and good company.

Anyone with a Mercedes Benz is welcome to come along. What a magical sight to see all these beautiful cars all lined up! 

PORT WEEK EXPERIENCES

TAWNY & SHORTBREAD PAIRING

📅 Sunday 22 February | 2pm

As part of Port Week, we’re offering guests the chance to explore three rare and aged fortified wines, paired perfectly with three Barossa Country Biscuits shortbreads, made from age-old German recipes.

🎟 Use promo code PORTWEEK for 20% off tickets

👉 BOOK NOW

VISITING OVER GATHER ROUND?

🎟 Got tickets to Barossa Park?

We’d love to welcome you across the road at Kies Family Wines:

• Walk straight over after the game
• Wine, cocktails, food & live music waiting
• Family-friendly space to relax after the siren
• No driving stress — catch the 7pm bus to Gawler station
• Stay for one glass… or linger all afternoon

Footy first. Barossa after.

👉 Book your group in now

Vintage is here.
The winery is humming, tractors are moving, fermenters are bubbling… and while everything speeds up around us, we’re slowing things down the best way we know how.

With a glass of Port in hand.

Welcome to Port Week at Kies 🍷

Some of our fortified wines have been quietly resting in the same barrel since 1969 — nearly 60 years of patience, continuity and care. That kind of commitment deserves more than a passing nod. It deserves a proper celebration.

And just quietly…
we never discount our Port, so yes — this really is a time to be alive 😉

Read on for exclusive Port Week offers, rare packs and experiences, created especially for our Port-loving fans.

FIRST THINGS FIRST… WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT THE RUBY

Right. So here’s the thing…

The other day I was in cellar door and I tried the Ruby Port (it was after 12pm, so it’s allowed 😅).

I was honestly shocked.

So much so that I immediately added 5 litres to my own wine allowance to put straight into my keg at home.

A CALL OUT TO THE TAWNY LOVERS

Please — give the Ruby another go.

Maybe you tried it years ago, before it had really started to show those aged characteristics.
Maybe you’ve always filled your barrel with Tawny and never strayed.

But here’s the thing…
this Ruby is doing something really special.

It’s lifted with vibrant cherry and berry notes, yet it’s now developing those caramel, nutty, aged edges that Tawny lovers adore. It’s sitting right in that beautiful sweet spot — youthful energy with emerging maturity.

I was genuinely surprised.
And I think you will be too.

CURRENT RUBY PRICING

5L Ruby Port — $46 - Learn more...
2L Ruby Port — $19 - Learn more...

We do need to be honest — these prices will increase in the near future. Rising costs across fruit growing, barrel maintenance, containers, insurance and electricity make it unavoidable (even though we hate doing it).

So this is your moment to give the Ruby a proper go — at a great price, with a little extra generosity from us.

PORT WEEK RUBY PACK

WE'VE NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE

PACK INCLUDES:

• 10L Ruby Port — RRP $92
• Complimentary Miniature Port — RRP $9

Port Week Pack Price: $89
Save $12

ORDER NOW

🗓 Available until Sunday 22nd at 7pm
📍 Online or in cellar door

Not ready to commit to 10L?
You can grab a mini Ruby online, or pop into cellar door anytime this week for a complimentary taste.

And if you try it and don’t love it?
Email me at jesse@kieswines.com.au and tell me why…
…but I have a feeling you won’t 😉

PORT WEEK: RARE & AGED PORT PACKS

GENERATIONS TAWNY GIFT PACK

10% OFF + Complimentary Kies Family Wines Port Glass
SAVE $20

This extraordinary barrel was filled in 1969, in the historic Hoffnungsthal Valley at the old Karrawirra Winery, by Ken Kies himself.

At the time, the Barossa had already established itself as a fortified wine region — and Ken had the foresight to lay this barrel down not for himself, but as a gift for the generations to come.

This is patience in liquid form.

ORDER NOW

IRIS WHITE MUSCAT GIFT PACK

10% OFF + Complimentary Kies Family Wines Port Glass
SAVE $20

This rare White Muscat, layered with caramel from age and lifted by stone-fruit character on the front palate, is a fitting tribute to a wonderful Mother, Nanna and Great-Nanna.

A truly special wine, beautifully presented in a gift pack — perfect for Port lovers and collectors alike.

ORDER NOW

PORT WEEK EXPERIENCES

TAWNY & SHORTBREAD PAIRING

📅 Sunday 22 February | 2pm

As part of Port Week, we’re offering guests the chance to explore three rare and aged fortified wines, paired perfectly with three Barossa Country Biscuits shortbreads, made from age-old German recipes.

🎟 Use promo code PORTWEEK for 20% off tickets

👉 BOOK NOW

FORTIFIED TASTING

🍷 Complimentary until Sunday 22 February

Ever wanted to try our premium fortifieds?
To celebrate Port Week, all tasting fees are waived — but only until 22 February (COB).

👉 BOOK NOW

VISITING OVER GATHER ROUND?

🎟 Got tickets to Barossa Park?

We’d love to welcome you across the road at Kies Family Wines:

• Walk straight over after the game
• Wine, cocktails, food & live music waiting
• Family-friendly space to relax after the siren
• No driving stress — catch the 7pm bus to Gawler station
• Stay for one glass… or linger all afternoon

Footy first. Barossa after.

👉 Book your group in now