Ask James Lindner what he does and he’ll probably confess to being a revealing storyteller, earnest wine drinker and ardent advocate of his beloved Barossa.
James is also defined by the passion he holds and commitment he gives to his family’s business, Langmeil Winery, as its sales and marketing manager.
As a sixth generation of the Barossa, South Australia, James’ roots originated with the first German migrants to settle the region after fleeing religious persecution in their homeland. Here the Lindners started out as butchers; four generations of them in fact, yet it was James’ father Richard who first pursued the family’s known appreciation for wine, inspiring James and older brother Paul to do the same.
Through mother Shirley’s Italian heritage, good wine became respected as something to appreciate in life, thanks to her culture and James’ great grand mother Baraglia who made wine and grappa from vines growing in her backyard.
They lived a humble life but their gardens where always plentiful, as were their pantries and cellars. “My upbringing was molded by the family which surrounded me, who placed conversation with home-grown food and wine at the heart of the table,” James says. “It’s also the Barossa way of life, so I felt right at home in its community”
For James, the opportunity to work with his family in the wine business is something he holds in the upmost highest regard. “It has afforded me many opportunities to travel the world and meet like-minded people, while reinforcing just how privileged we are to live in such a beautiful part of the world.”
With partner Georgie, daughter Mia and son William, James lives a rural life surrounded by the sights, smells and lifestyle that has helped shape the Barossa and makes the region his home.
“The Barossa is a part of the world I will continue to protect with other community-minded people, to help ensure it continues to be left better for the following generations.”
