Dennis Wines: McLaren Vale

Peter Dennis is passionate about his wine, and with over 40 years of experience in the industry since leaving school, the success of Dennis Wines speaks volumes.

The history of the family owned vineyard is, by winemaking standards, relatively short.

Seeking a different lifestyle, Egerton Dennis, Peter’s father, purchased 90 acres of promising land on the outskirts of McLaren Vale. Another adjacent property has since been acquired, and now the vineyard produces a vintage sufficient for all of their winemaking needs. Knowing the characteristics of the fruit is a vital factor in achieving the best results.

Not content to simply make good wine, they set themselves a mission-to make the very best! Quality rather than quantity became their philosophy, and now, over 200 medals and awards to their credit are a reliable indicator of their success. Dennis Wines have also twice won the prestigious Dan Murphy and Bushing King Awards for the best wine at the McLaren Vale Winemakers Exhibition.

When Peter is asked, “What’s the best wine you have ever made?” he smiles and answers, “I haven’t made my best wine yet!” Peter Dennis is a dedicated winemaker who loves his work and the small community of McLaren Vale, a small township set in the rolling hills at the base of the Mt Lofty Ranges, less than an hours drive south from the CBD of Adelaide.

Daringa Cellars is the company begun by Peter’s father, Egerton Dennis. The wine has been trading as Dennis Wines since 1979. Only premium quality wine is produced, and there is a wonderful range of reds, whites and ports to consider.

Egerton vintage port, with it’s rich fruit and licorice floavours, is a wine honouring the winery’s founder, while the old tawny port is a very old, well-developed ranchio style.

The quality of the classic McLaren Vale cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, merlot and grenache are the wines that have made the region a magnet for red wine lovers.

Dennis Wines have shown conclusively that they have rightfully earned their place in the classic white wine area of McLaren Vale. Their lightly oak-matured full-flavoured chardonnay is a tribute to the winemakers craft, while the crisp, exotic sauvignon blanc shows intense varietal identity.

Mead, which has its origins in the middle ages, is another popular beverage produced by Dennis Wines. It is fermented from honey and spices, and can be served hot.

The cellar door of Dennis Wines is open Monday to Friday 10am - 5pm, and Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 12 noon - 5pm. The multi award-winning winery is situated 1km from the main street of McLaren Vale, on the McLaren Flat road.

Further information is available from:

Dennis Wines
PO Box 30
McLaren Vale, SA, 5171
Phone (08) 8323 8665
Fax (08) 8323 9121
E-mail: service@denniswines.com.au
Web site: www.denniswines.com.au

 

Text & Photo supplied by Dennis Wines