AustLit

'Austinn Baeder arrived in the Port of Geelong in 1845 with his two adult sons to start a new life. The Swiss winemaker planned to open a new vineyard and winery on the banks of the Barwon River. The retired soldier came looking for new opportunities, but to also leave a troubled past behind.

'Mitchell Baeder, a modern-day descendant of Austinn continues the winemaking tradition on the original property Austinn and his sons established, Cressier. Mitchell is a bit old-fashioned and slow to embrace modern techniques. His son, Adam is a wayward adolescent, and causes Mitchell and his wife Fiona much grief. Adam’s on and off relationship with Jenny, a girl from the adjacent winery, has the potential to bring the family together.

'A series of unfortunate events unwittingly brings the modern day Baeder family far closer to their ancestors than they could ever imagine. It could even expose a dreadful family secret that lay dormant for over 100 years: the true reason behind Austinn’s emigration.' (Publication summary)