d'Arenberg shines on global tourism stage

It was a huge gamble when family-owned d'Arenberg Wines invested in its attention-seeking Cube from 2003.

But it is a gamble that paid off with the McLaren Vale winery now established as a global tourism icon.

It's been another big week for d'Arenberg and The Cube with a win on Friday night in the category of best tourism attraction at the South Australian Tourism Awards.

Then d’Arenberg was recognised on the global stage in the World’s Best Vineyard Awards for 2024.

It was named #32 in the world and as the #1 vineyard in Australasia.

This year’s win means the d’Arenberg Cube, a multi-level mix of tasting room, wine sensory room, a virtual fermenter, a 360degree video room, and many other experiences, will represent South Australia at the National Tourism Awards to be held in Adelaide in early 2025.

Winemaker and d’Arenberg Cube visionary Chester Osborn said: “To be honoured locally and globally is a testament to the dedication of our entire team underscoring not only the quality of our vineyard and visitor experience but also the strength of South Australia as world-class tourism destination.

“It is humbling to see d’Arenberg and McLaren Vale recognised alongside many of the world’s great estates and shows how far we have come as a winery and as a region since my great grandfather purchased the d’Arenberg property in 1912.”

d'Arenberg walks the sustainability walk

Sustainability and being a good corporate citizen are key elements to success in the wine business today.

Wine drinkers not only want a good drop at a f air price, they also want to know their favourite wineries are doing the write thing.

McLaren Valle producer d'Arenberg has just managed a hat-trick of achievements: certification by Sustainable Wine Growing Australia, committing to Carbon Net-Zero by 2035 and embarking on a Reconciliation Action Plan with Reconciliation Australia.

The family owned and operated wine producer said the national Sustainable Wine Growing Australia program "supports the Australian wine community in delivering world-leading sustainability practices across environmental, social, and economic parameters".

Additionally, d'Arenberg has set itself the goal of achieving certification for carbon net-zero emissions by 2035, ahead of the national target of 2050.

d'Arenberg is also working with Reconciliation Australia to create its first RAP.

The ‘Reflect’ RAP is about developing relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
stakeholders, deciding on a vision for reconciliation and exploring the "d’Arenberg sphere
of influence".

Chester Osborn (above), the fourth-generation family winemaker at d'Arenberg, said: "Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond our environmental footprint.

"We're proud to be working with Reconciliation Australia on our first RAP, which we believe will help foster unity and mutual respect between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and wider
Australia.

"Together with our SWA certification and carbon net zero emissions target, we are taking significant steps towards our ongoing journey of sustainability and reconciliation."

Wine industry pioneer dies at age of 95

UPDATE:  The memorial service for winemaking icon d'Arry Osborn will be held at d'Arry's Verandah on at 3.30pm on January 17, 2023, the family has announced.

Due to the high numbers anticipated, the ceremony will also be livestreamed.

Here is the link to RSVP for the memorial: https://www.darenberg.com.au/darryosborn

One of the pioneers of the modern Australian wine industry, d'Arry Osborn of d'Arenberg Wines, has died at the age of 95. 

Francis d'Arenberg Osborn, known throughout the wine industry as d'Arry, completed over 75 vintages at the family winery in McLaren Vale. 

His son, Chester, a fourth-generation family member, now runs the business.

The family said in a statement: "It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Francis d’Arenberg Osborn - better known and loved as d’Arry - at the age of 95.

"d’Arry was much loved by family, friends and wine lovers the world over as a great raconteur, regaling all with humorous stories gathered over a lifetime.

"A true statesman of the wine industry, d’Arry will be greatly missed by all at d’Arenberg.

"Wherever you are in the world, find a bottle with d’Arry’s famous red stripe and join us in raising a glass to a great man and a life well lived."

Born on the family property on December 27, 1926, to Francis Ernest and Helena d’Arenberg Osborn, he was given his mother’s name upon her death.

He started in the family winery at the tender age of 16, at a time when Clydesdale horses did the work of a tractor and kerosene-powered the motors and pumps.

Over his lifetime d’Arry oversaw more than 70 consecutive vintages at d’Arenberg. With the introduction of the famous ‘red stripe’ in 1959, d’Arry took d’Arenberg from bulk flagon production to an internationally recognised wine brand.

The 1968 d'Arenberg Cabernet Sauvignon won the Jimmy Watson Trophy in 1969.

d'Arry received multiple honours including the Queen’s Jubilee Medal in 1978.

In 1995 he was invested as a Patron of the Australian Wine Industry in “Honour of an outstanding contribution to the affairs of the Australian Wine Industry”.

A Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2004 Queen’s Birthday Honours list followed.

In 2016 he was awarded South Australian Legend of the Vine by Wine Communicators of Australia joining a prestigious group and becoming a life member of WCA.

d’Arry is survived by his two children, Chester and Jacki Osborn, and his three grandchildren Alicia, Ruby and Mia Osborn.

d'Arenberg Wines buys into the spirits business

Venerable McLaren Vale wine producer d"Arenberg has bought into the spirits business with the acquisition  of award-winning craft distillery Settlers Spirits and associated premium mixer brand Oceans Spirit.

Founded by Rowland and Shelley Short in 2018, Settlers Spirits has quickly become recognised as one of the industry’s premier boutique gin distillers. 

With 13 different flavoured gins along with a range of whisky, rum, vodka and flavoured liqueurs, the brand is distributed nationally. 

“I couldn’t be happier to see d’Arenberg as custodians of Settlers Spirits and to see ownership remain within the McLaren Vale wine region,” said co-founder Rowland Short.

d’Arenberg chief winemaker Chester Osborn says despite the purchase there are currently no plans for any significant changes to the business. 

“I’m a fan of the diversity and craftsmanship of Rowland’s gins and spirits," he said. "The methodical and detailed blending methods represent a philosophical alignment to what we do here at d’Arenberg. 

“Rowland has some exciting ideas around product development, and we are excited to work together to bring those ideas to fruition which can only be a great thing for fans of Settlers Spirits”.

Settlers’ McLaren Vale cellar door operations, famous for behind the scenes experiences - such as a gin blending masterclass - will operate independently.