John's Blend

John and Margarete Glaetzer founded John's Blend as a private family enterprise in 1974. This project was developed during John Glaetzer's tenure as the senior red winemaker at Wolf Blass, where he was a central figure for more than three decades. The couple shared a vision of creating a small, premium label that could exist independently of John's commercial responsibilities. Their inaugural release was a 1974 vintage Cabernet Sauvignon that reached the public in 1977. Although John eventually retired from his primary winemaking role at Wolf Blass in 2004, the family has maintained ownership and control of John's Blend, ensuring it remains a focused boutique operation.

Production is centered on the Langhorne Creek appellation, an area known for its deep alluvial soils and cooling lake breezes. The winery relies heavily on fruit from the Pasquin vineyard, which is a collaborative 80 acre venture with the Potts family, and additional fruit from the Bill and Ben Potts holdings. Some of these vineyard blocks date back to the mid 1960s, providing the mature fruit required for the brand's concentrated style. In the cellar, grapes are fermented in small batches and then matured in seasoned oak hogsheads. This traditional approach aims to produce full bodied wines with the distinct mint and chocolate characteristics that are hallmarks of the Langhorne Creek terroir.

The portfolio is defined by two primary wines, the Individual Selection Cabernet Sauvignon and Margarete's Shiraz, which was added to the range in 1995. These wines are produced in strictly limited quantities and have garnered a following for their consistency and aging potential. John Glaetzer is one of the most decorated winemakers in Australia, having been awarded four Jimmy Watson Trophies and eleven Montgomery Trophies at the Royal Adelaide Wine Show. While the producer maintains a low profile, the label is regarded as a benchmark for Langhorne Creek red wines. The wines are currently showcased at The Winehouse, a shared cellar door facility in Langhorne Creek that supports several high quality local producers.