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Background
Chronological History 1871 - the name 'd'Arenberg' is distantly linked to European aristocracy. d'Arry's maternal grandfather returned to the name d'Arenberg in 1871 in accordance with the family tradition that asserts one of their forbears had been a d'Arenberg, who, after returning with Napoleon's armies in 1812 from the disastrous Moscow campaign, killed in a duel an officer of more senior rank than himself and took another name. 1881 - d'Arry's paternal grandfather, Joseph Rowe Osborn, joined the prospering Wine Company Thomas Hardy and Sons. Although a teetotaler he eventually became a partner and director. His son Francis ('Frank') Osborn was studying medicine at Melbourne University but was advised upon ill health to, "take up life on the land". 1912 - Frank and his father purchased the then well established Milton vineyards and property, which he called Bundarra in the hills just north of the townships of Gloucester and Bellevue which have become McLaren Vale. 1920 - Frank marries Helena d'Arenberg in 1920, built a house, and had three children, Antoinette, Rowen and d'Arry who still own the property. 1927 - Frank Osborn was advised by his friends and family to build a winery and make his own wine. The first vintage in 1928 produced a heavy red table and fortified wine. 1943 - Frank's son d'Arry commences work at d'Arenberg. 1957 - d'Arry bottles the first of his famous diagonal red stripe labeled wines. d'Arenberg's wines of the 1960's gained cult status amongst imbibers and critics. By the 1970's the wines had gained a significant international profile. 1984 - d'Arry's son Chester (fourth generation), takes over the reigns and immediately sets about rejuvenating the 70 year old cellars and nineteenth century vineyards. 1990 - Chester crowned McLaren Vale Bushing King for producing the best table wine in McLaren Vale. 2003 - Under d'Arry and Chester's successful stewardship, d'Arenberg continues to grow, producing a rich array of wines that have garnered international recognition and acclaim. The naming of the wines... And don't forget to cast an eye over the famous d'Arenberg back labels which provide illuminating accounts of the vines, vineyard practices, winemaking process and even the folk-lore behind the name of the wine. They have drawn praise from many commentators, with one Australian critic lauding them as "a veritable enological Tolstoy." |
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