Chester Osborn is one of the most colorful wineries in McLaren Vale which is not only because of his shirts with colorful stripes, paisley patterns or candy pink flowers in wich you always see him. The fourth generation wine maker has made of d'Arenberg one of the most progressive and successful companies in the region.

In 1984, Osborn took over the wine company of his father after his wine studies and an extensive travel through Europe. He immediately introduced some changes, such as proper cooling during wine production. Yet the current d'Arenberg is more back to basic than high-tech: no growth resources or killers in the vineyard and minimal irrigation. "For my dad that was a bit shocked at first, with all the weeds between the grapes," says Osborn.

In the production area you’ll find old-fashioned wooden basket presses in which all the grapes for the d'Arenberg wines are processed. In the bins with vertical wooden slats, finished with wax, grapes are simply softer pressed than with modern equipment, says Osborn. A little further is the "biggest oval wine barrel of the Southern Hemisphere" (40,000 liters fit inside) in which some of the wines mature. Osborn simply does not like stainless steel.

This traditional method does not withdraw the producer to make a huge range of wines from several grape varieties, ranging from commercial to prestige. Of some very nice sultry-fresh white wines from Rhone grapes like Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier, and everyone's favorite Shiraz-Viognier blend The Laughing Magpie, to the velvety smooth Grenache The Derelict Vineyard, the deliciously dark Coppermine (Cabernet Sauvignon ) and the powerful The Dead Arm Shiraz. Why does he has such a large portfolio? Osborn: "Because it’s possible. I like to try different varieties. I'm glad we do not have such restrictions as in France."

We are also glad: all wines are smooth and accessible, have a nice balance between full and fresh and between solid and elegant.

And oh, we'd almost forgotten: from the d'Arenberg Cellar Door you easily walk straight to d’ Arrys Verandah Restaurant. At least praised as Osborn’s wines.

Opening hours
From 10.00 to 17.00 pm except for Christmas, New Years Day and Good Friday.
Calling in advance is recommended.

This article was created on January 20, 2010 by journalist Remke de Lange. For more wine articles: www.remkedelange.nl. This article is copyrighted