Nestled among the rolling hills of Lenswood in South Australia's Adelaide Hills, Jauma Farm is a living, breathing expression of family, farming, community, and a deep respect for the land. At the heart of it all are James and Sophie Erskine, whose shared vision has transformed a historic orchard into one of Australia's most celebrated natural wine destinations.

James Erskine is widely recognised as one of the pioneers of Australia's modern natural wine movement. After an accomplished career as an award-winning sommelier (including being named Gourmet Traveller Australian Sommelier of the Year and completing the Australian Court of Master Sommeliers examinations) he pursued agricultural science, specialising in soil chemistry, before founding Jauma in 2010. His philosophy is simply to create wines from organically grown grapes with nothing added and nothing taken away, allowing each vineyard and season to speak honestly through every bottle.

Sophie Erskine brings an equally important dimension to Jauma. After two decades as a hairdresser, she embraced life on the land, combining her love of gardening, permaculture, hospitality and community building. Today she curates Jauma's welcoming cellar door, tends the vegetable and flower gardens, helps care for the orchard and vineyard, and creates the farm's retreats, events and gatherings that have become synonymous with the Jauma experience.

Together, James and Sophie have created Jauma Farm on more than 40 acres of certified organic land in Lenswood, where vineyards grow alongside cherries, apples, pears and seasonal vegetables. Their family-run farm is built around regenerative and organic farming principles, nurturing biodiversity and healthy soils while producing wines, cider, vinegar and fruit that reflect both place and season.

The story of Jauma is one of evolution. What began as James's quest to produce authentic, living wines has grown into a destination where agriculture, hospitality and community intersect. Every Saturday, visitors gather at the cellar door to taste wines crafted without additives, preservatives or filtration, enjoying produce grown only metres from where it's served. During cherry season, the orchard opens for pick-your-own harvests, inviting families to experience the rhythms of the farm firsthand. Seasonal long lunches, wellness retreats and community festivals further celebrate the connection between food, wine and people.

Internationally, Jauma has earned a reputation for vibrant, expressive natural wines that challenge convention while remaining deeply rooted in craftsmanship. Yet despite global recognition, James and Sophie remain focused on the everyday work of farming, planting trees, tending vines, improving soil health and creating meaningful experiences that bring people together.

For James and Sophie, Jauma is not simply a winery or an orchard, it is a family home, a regenerative farm, and a place where living wines, organic food and genuine hospitality reflect a belief that caring for the land naturally leads to stronger communities and more memorable experiences.

Celebrate the arrival of spring, and the return of Daylight Savings, with an afternoon of seasonal food, wine and nature at Jauma Farm as part of the 2026 Nature Festival.

Experience Blossom & Bud, Springtime Picnic on Sunday, 4 October at Jauma Farm for a beautiful picnic experience underneath the cherry blossoms.

Find out more at the Nature Festival website.

More information from the 2026 Nature Festival edition of WeekendPlus: