About the Winemakers
Suzi Hilder + Wayne Ahrens | Smallfry Wines
At the helm of Smallfry Wines are Suzi Hilder and Wayne Ahrens, the Barossa Valley duo who believe in letting the land do the heavy lifting. As viticulturists bitten by the winemaking bug, they couldn’t resist the opportunity to craft wines from their own fruit, and are, beyond anything, dedicated to certified organic and biodynamic farming. Their philosophy is simple: natural ferments, minimal adjustment, old oak and a soft hand in the cellar that allows the vineyard to speak. Their wines lean toward a Euro-style approach, favoring balance, subtlety, and snack-friendliness.
Smallfry Wines is built on two exceptional vineyards: one in Eden Valley, established by Suzi and Wayne in 1994, and the other in Vine Vale, home to Schlieb’s Vineyard, where the last custodian, Ken Schlieb, tended the vines for 52 vintages before passing the baton. The Vine Vale block, with original plantings dating back to the 1850s, is a living piece of Barossa history, one of the few vineyards still growing Semillon, Riesling, and Pedro Ximénez. Their commitment to biodynamic and organic viticulture isn’t just about great fruit - it’s about preserving tradition, supporting the local community, and shaping the future of the Barossa Valley.
