Crafting Legacy in Every Bottle Meet Derek Fitzgerald, Chief Winemaker at Barton Vineyards

With over 30 years of winemaking experience across Australia, Derek Fitzgerald brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and precision to every vintage. As one of the Barossa Valley’s most respected winemakers, Derek leads Barton Vineyards with a philosophy rooted in tradition and driven by innovation.

🍇 In Harmony with Nature, Precision at Every Step

Derek believes exceptional wine begins in the vineyard. With a strong focus on vineyard management, he ensures Barton’s grapes are harvested at the perfect moment — achieving purity of flavour and balanced structure. Every decision in the vineyard reflects his deep understanding of nature and commitment to quality.

🍷 Gentle Techniques, Exceptional Complexity

From grape to glass, Derek applies gentle extraction methods and small-batch fermentation. His precise temperature control and extended maceration techniques result in wines that are elegant, finely textured, and rich in complexity — layer upon layer of flavour, all beautifully integrated.

🛠️ Tradition Meets Modern Winemaking

At the heart of Derek’s winemaking philosophy is a seamless fusion of heritage and modernity. While honouring time-tested winemaking traditions, he also embraces innovative practices — including open-top fermentation and meticulous micro-management during ageing. The result is wine that shows youthful vibrancy, structural depth, and impressive ageing potential.

🍷 A True Expression of Barossa

In Derek’s hands, every bottle of Barton wine is more than a drink — it is a reflection of soil, craftsmanship, and time. Each vintage tells the story of our land, our values, and the legacy we are building with every harvest.

Experience the spirit of Barossa, shaped by Derek’s vision — only at Barton Vineyards.