With some of the oldest vines in the Barossa, Bethany Wines has special place in the region’s winemaking story.

Johann Gottlob Schrapel and his family arrived from Silesia on the George Washington in 1844. This was just eight years after South Australia was settled. Like many Silesian migrants, they travelled by ox cart to Bethany (Bethanien), and established the Barossa’s first settlement.

Johann planted the first vineyard in 1852 from cuttings carried from Europe. He built a wine cellar and had reputation as a winemaker. Despite this our family were grape growers for the next four generations.

In 1981, fifth generation brothers Robert and Geoff established Bethany Wines. They built a winery in the quarry where the early pioneers had hewn stone for their homes. They crushed 2 tonnes of Shiraz and Riesling, launching the next chapter of the Schrapel wine story.

The early 1980s were tough for Barossa grape growers. A glut followed a red wine boom and grape prices fell below production cost. The State Government wanted growers to pull out old Shiraz and Grenache vines. They encouraged growers to plant new varieties or leave the industry. Fortunately, the brothers chose to establish a tradition of winemaking from this undervalued yet irreplaceable resource of old vineyards.

Bethany chose to establish a tradition of winemaking from this undervalued yet irreplaceable resource of old vineyards. Gradually Bethany’s reputation for hospitality – not to mention spectacular view of the Barossa – spread and Bethany began to grow. Forty years on Bethany is a prized member of the Barossa community and Australian wine.

Forty years on Bethany is a prized member of the Barossa community and Australian wine. In 2025 another challenging period confronted the industry and the estate’s custodianship was handed over to a group of passionate South Australians. Bethany’s legacy and future are coming together as the estate’s story continues to evolve honouring its provenance and pursuing an exciting future filled with deliciousness and fun.

 NEW BEGINNINGS – PASSIONATE SOUTH AUSTRALIANS

Today, the baton of custodianship for Bethany Wines has been handed over to a group of passionate South Australians, informed by the rich Schrapel family history and inspired by their commitment, aspiration, desire for conviviality and a good glass Australian wine.