One of the great views at d’Arenberg.
On a recent trip to South Australia we made the drive from Adelaide to McLaren Vale to taste at one of Australia’s most iconic wineries: d’Arenberg. “Tasting” is probably not the right word; “experiencing” is a better descriptor. That is because d’Arenberg is more than a cellar door, the Australian term for tasting room. That is also because a visit at d’Arenberg is more than just a tasting; it an experience that combines wine tasting, world class dining, brashly innovative architecture, a wine museum, and of course, some great wine.
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Allister Ashmead
Our visit with Allister Ashmead, whose family owns Elderton Wines near Nuriootpa in Australia’s Barossa Valley, was fascinating; a true eye-opener, and a wonderful tasting experience.
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The entrance at Rockford
Entrepreneurs have one common trait: an unwavering belief in their vision despite the odds and the naysayers. Rockford Wines was started with no money, no customers, and no reputation…just a dream. A tough way to start a winery in the Barossa Valley in the mid 1980’s when the industry was in such poor shape, the government was paying people to pull vines and use the land for pasture! Thirty-five years later, Rockford stands as a testament to one man’s determined focus combined with a steadfast refusal to compromise on his core values.
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Winemaker Sam Berketa
When we were first introduced to Alpha Box & Dice in Australia’s McLaren Vale wine region, we admit we were skeptical about a winery that is currently working with 29 different varieties from over 40 different plots. Like seeing a thick menu at a restaurant, our first thought was how could they possibly produce so many wines well—and with just one winemaker? Our concerns quickly dissolved when we sat down with Winemaker Sam Berketa and learned that there clearly was a method behind the seemingly apparent madness.
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Michael Sawyer, Chris, and Dave Powell.
We had the pleasure to spend three hours tasting and talking with iconic Australian winemaker Dave Powell, his general manager Michael Sawyer and two close friends of ours at the Powell & Son winery in Barossa, South Australia.It’s complicated because of the patchwork of history that has led up to the creation of Powell and Son and the extraordinary wines they are making. That history is largely yesterday’s news, but it is also context for the story that was about to unfold for us.
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