Wine Literature of the World

Australia's First Commercial Sparkling Red

The first Australian commercial sparkling 'Burgundy' was produced in 1893 at Auldana vineyard, Magill, in the Adelaide foothills, and adjacent to PenfoldÅfs Grange vineyards. At that time Edmond Mazure was Sir Josiah SymonÅfs vineyard manager and in charge of production.

Edmond Mazure (1864-1939), a Frenchman by birth, was the son of a vigneron from Burgundy. As a young man he worked for a short while at Clos Vougeot before acquiring practical experience in Spain. Arriving in Australia he worked for a couple of South Australian vineyards and in 1888 was in charge of the cellars at the Jubilee Exhibition. He was then employed by Sir Josiah Symon as Auldana vineyard manager. Mazure pioneered the manufacture of sparkling wine on a commercial basis in South Australia. He was also a wine judge.

The proprietor of Auldana at this time was Sir Josiah Symon (1846-1934), South Australian lawyer, politician, Federalist and philanthropist.

Two men identified as being Edward Emile Bernier (left) and Edmond Mazure working in the champagne cellar at Auldana Vineyards, Magill, S.A. c.1912.
Two men identified as being Edward Emile Bernier (left) and Edmond Mazure
working in the champagne cellar at Auldana Vineyards, Magill, S.A. c.1912.