Sparkling success: regional wine innovator recognised

Otto dal Zotto, who pioneered prosecco in Australia, has been named the 2025 Victorian Legend of the Vine by the Wine Communicators of Australia.

The Dal Zotto Wines founder was recognised for his contribution to the Australian wine industry.

The award coincided with 21 years since Dal Zotto produced its first Australian-grown prosecco from its base in Victoria's King Valley.

What began as a vision to bring a taste of northern Italy’s prosecco tradition Down Under has evolved into one of Australia’s most significant wine success stories.

In 1999, Otto Dal Zotto planted the first prosecco vines in Australia, inspired by his hometown of Valdobbiadene in Veneto, Italy. 

Five years later, in 2004, the family released their inaugural prosecco vintage, L’immigrante.

Two decades on, Prosecco has become synonymous with the King Valley, with Dal Zotto Wines at the forefront of the variety’s rise in popularity nationwide.

“I am surprised at how popular prosecco has become," Dal Zotto said.

"I wanted to grow some because I grew up with it. I used to walk through the vineyards to school, eating bunches of prosecco grapes; it’s a taste that’s part of my culture.

"To start a new variety takes a lot of time and effort, and it’s been wonderful to see Australians embrace it.”

Dal Zotto’s chief winemaker, Michael Dal Zotto, says: “This is an exciting industry to be a part of anyway, but to contribute the way the family has and introduce a variety into the market that has been
so well embraced makes us all so happy.

"The success of the wines and that we have helped to put King Valley on the map makes us extremely proud.”

“Dad didn’t just plant vines; he planted a dream,” says Dal Zotto marketing director Christian Dal Zotto.

“He turned bubbles into a movement and the King Valley into Italy’s southern outpost.

"Now he’s officially a legend - which he’s been reminding us of daily.”

Dal Zotto Wines remains family-owned and -operated.

The VIC Legend of the Vine Award is presented by WCA to recognise a Victorian who is of excellent character, who is held in high regard by their peers in the world of wine, and who has made an outstanding contribution to the Australian wine industry.

Otto Dal Zotto is the eight Victorian to receive Legend of the Vine status. He joins a list that includes Lindsay McCall, Alister Purbrick, Steve Flamsteed, Jeni Port, Eric Vivian Thomson, Kathleen Quealy, Ross Brown and Colin Campbell.

Regional winery restaurant icon closes after 13 years

It is time for a change at one of regional Victoria's most popular winery restaurants.

After 13 years of sharing regional Italian cuisine, the Dal Zotto family will close down their much-loved Trattoria in the King Valley later this month.

The change will make way for a revamp of their cellar door which will continue to celebrate the Dal Zotto family's legacy as Australia’s "First Family of Prosecco".

While the Trattoria will close its doors on July 13, the cellar door will remain, alongside the on-site accommodation - Dal Zotto Homestead and Studios.

The reimagined space will feature a prosecco-focused destination with Italian-inpsired wine and food pairing.

The closure of the Trattoria does not mean the food offering will disappear entirely. Instead, the family said in a satetment, t will evolve, serving antipasto platters and select food pairings that complement Dal Zotto wines.

Second-generation custodians Michael and Christian Dal Zotto said: “To our incredible teams, past and present, thank you for bringing the Trattoria to life.

"And to our guests, who filled our tables with love and support, we say a heartfelt thank you. You have been the heart of this journey, and we are forever grateful for the friendships forged and the stories shared.”

See www.dalzotto.com.au

Italian flavours result in a wine success story

At a time of doom and gloom in much of the Australian wine industry it is full steam ahead at Dal Zotto Wines in Victoria's King Valley, where the brand is booming.

Over the last five years, Dal Zotto Wines has grown 12% year-on-year and the addition of an accommodation offering in 2023 has seen an increase in cellar door visitations by 20%.

To meet growing demand, the Dal Zotto family also purchased a 100 acre-vineyard in Whitlands, increasing vineyard holdings by 50%.”

As part of the expansion, Harry Brazel was recently appointed as CEO, joining chief winemaker Michael Dal Zotto, the former CEO, and sales and marketing director Christian Dal Zotto in the leadership team.

It is the first time the Dal Zottos have looked outside the family to employ someone in this pivotal role.

“I’ve been CEO for over 15 years and it’s time for a change and time for me to concentrate on the winemaking side of things,” says Michael Dal Zotto.

"The business growth has enabled us to look at Dal Zotto Wines more broadly and bring someone in, separate to the family, to steer the ship.

"It’s exciting to bring in a new perspective. Harry has a lot of fresh ideas and it’s time to create more opportunities. It’s what’s best for the business.”

Brazel has extensive business experience - including a stint in London - as was commercial manager of Limestone Coast Wines from 2017 to 2021.

“For me, it was the perfect position," he says. "I love wine and the wine industry, have the skill-set and I was already living in the region. I couldn’t have written the script better; it ticked a lot of boxes.”

Founded by Otto Dal Zotto, an Italian immigrant from Valdobbiadene who is Michael and Christian's father, Dal Zotto has a focus on Prosecco styles and Italian varietals. 

Image: Harry Brazel, Christian Dal Zotto, Michael Dal Zotto. Supplied.