Barossa’s newest sweet shop has opened with handmade gourmet fudge showcasing local produce

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What began as a childhood dream has turned into a sweet new Barossa business.

After more than 20 years of whipping up treats, Julie Marschall has opened her first shop in Nuriootpa, with her handmade fudge celebrating local produce and flavours inspired by South Australia’s finest ingredients.

Barossa Valley Gourmet Fudge officially opened its doors on 15 October at Provenance Barossa in Nuriootpa, giving visitors a chance to pick and mix handmade fudge and discover new weekly flavours.

Originally from the UK, Julie grew up watching her mother make homemade sweets, including fudge, which would eventually become her own speciality.

“Mum was quite strict with how many sweets we were allowed to have,” Julie said.

Years later, while working at Seppeltsfield Wines, Julie was asked to create something using the winery’s fortified wines for a conference. She experimented with Tokay and Muscat fudge, and the response was so positive that she decided to sell her creations at the local farmers’ market.

And what began as a side project eventually became a full-time passion.

After taking a break from fudge making, Julie returned to the kitchen around four years ago,
giving up a job as medical receptionist to really hone in on on her craft and passion.

As wholesale orders increased, she quickly outgrew her home kitchen and began searching for a dedicated production space and found the perfect opportunity at Provenance Barossa. The fresh peppermint-green and white store now provides the perfect home for her handmade creations.

The shop offers six signature fudge flavours, with caramel and River Murray salt remaining the clear favourite.

“The one I sell the most of, and the one I still really love is caramel and River Murray salt.”

Other selections include Barossa honey and roasted almond, dark chocolate port and raisin, Barossa gin and peach, mocha twist, and dark chocolate and orange. Julie uses gin from neighbouring Barossa Distilling Co, while the oranges are sourced from the Riverland and dried by hand.

Alongside her signature range, Julie experiments with different flavours each week. Some are inspired by seasonal ingredients, while others come from whatever takes her fancy. Recent creations have included lemon zing, white chocolate lime and ginger, coffee and walnut, and cinnamon donut fudge.

With Christmas approaching, Julie is also preparing a festive twist on her signature sweet treats with a Christmas pudding fudge. The chocolate fudge features mixed fruit soaked in local port and St Agnes brandy, finished with a touch of spice.

“It’s a chocolate fudge, but it’s got the flavours of Christmas there as well.”

Visitors can purchase individual pieces of fudge to mix and match their favourites. The shop also stocks packets of homemade biscuits, all prepared on site.

For Julie, opening a permanent shop is an exciting milestone after years of balancing fudge making with other work.

“It’s something I’m quite passionate about. I love cooking.”