One of our 'neighbours' monitoring a bush vine grenache vineyard.
In 2006 Chester attended the annual Growers' Dinner dressed as The Derlict Vineyard. Some people just thought he had let himself go over the Christmas break!
Getting Grooving- Viticulturist/Grower Relations Manager, Giulio Dimasi and Vineyard Administrator, Sue Harnett channel their inner 'Love Grass'
Friends and Neighbours (d'Arenberg Growers)
A close working relationship
We have approximately 120 growers in the McLaren Vale, some of whom the initial relationship began three generations ago and we also have a number that were established two generations ago. The majority of our growers have a mix of different aged vineyards of which many are of wonderful old vine blocks. Volumes range from 1800 to 2600 tonnes.
Our Viticulturist/ Growers Relations Manager, Giulio Dimasi, and Chester, work closely with our growers throughout the year to ensure they are producing the style of fruit we want. They are given clear guidel ines about not irrigating or fertilizing without getting approval from d'Arenberg. They also benefit from having Giulio's guidance throughout the year.
Many of these vineyards have vines that are as old and gnarly as the original Osborn family vineyards, and many yield tonnages just as low. We get some excellent Grenache from some small blocks where some of the parcels we receive can be brought in to the cellars in plastic bins on the back of the growers ‘utes’ (trucks) and barely register on the weighbridge!
These parcels, as with all of the grapes brought into the cellars are vinified and matured separately until the final blending process. (N.B. vinification - the wine making process)
We also source some of our Viognier, Riesling and Merlot (as well as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir) from the Adelaide Hills Geographical Indication region due to the higher elevation that suits these varieties.
Occasionally we source fruit from vineyards further south in the Fleurieu Peninsula. This provides us with some excellent cool climate material which makes available a great blending component for the McLaren Vale grapes.
Good grapes, great parties!
Our annual Growers' Dinner is a highlight on the McLaren Vale calendar
Each year, in January, before the craziness that is vintage kicks off, Chester and d'Arry host all of our growers and their partners to a special dinner at the winery. We've quickly learnt that while our friends main talent might be growing fantastic grapes they are also seasoned party goers. The event, which features a four course meal by d'Arry's Verandah and the full range of d'Arenberg wines, is the hottest ticket in town. No expense is spared on the night and is our way of thanking the hardworking friends and neighbours who help us produce such great wines.
And they're creative too!
In keeping with the fun theme of the night, the last few growers' dinners have featured the dress code of 'come as your favourite label' d'Arenberg staff and growers alike have really embraced this theme and each year the costumes are a hilarious spectacle. On the banner above you can see some of our finer efforts. Of course Chester takes it to the extreme- he even stopped shaving for a month and ate tuna from a cat food tin to perfect his 'Derelict Vineyard' look!!!
Perhaps for your next dinner party or wine club event you might like to steal the idea for yourselves. It is a great ice-breaker and the range is so large that it is very open to interpretation.