The cool climate region of the ACT and surrounding districts of NSW is home to about 140 vineyards and has developed a well deserved reputation for fine wine. The unique environment of the region encompasses a variety of soil types, vineyard elevations and temperatures.
A WINERY ON A RIDGE
714 METRES ABOVE THE SEA
The Di Bartolo vineyard, planted on a ridge with an elevation of 714 metres above sea level, has plantings of 3 varieties of grape; Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Tempranillo. Chardonnay grown in this cool climate produces an elegant wine with good structure and complexity. Pinot Noir, though not a major grape variety in Australia, is well suited to the higher altitudes of the Canberra region creating a soft medium bodied red.
BOUTIQUE COOL CLIMATE WINES
WE SELECT OUR GRAPES WITH CARE
Our small family owned vineyard was established in 1993 and we are committed to providing a range of quality wines at competitive prices. Dry, cool and frosty autumns in the region ensure the grapes are flavoursome and have an optimal sugar/acid balance. Our Chardonnays are bright and straw coloured, typically showing characteristics of melon with a bright floral aroma. Out Pinot Noir grapes produce a lovely ruby red coloured wine with forest floor and sweet cherry overtones. Tempranillo grapes, popular in Spain, but not so well known in Australia, are generally blended with our Pinor Noir grapes to create a full bodied and popular red. Importantly, hand picking of our grapes ensures only quality fruit is sent for crushing.
THE DI BARTOLO VINEYARD ESTATE
ABOUT US
The Di Bartolo vineyard is situated on the northern perimeter of the NSW/ACT border. Classic cool climate wine country, high on a ridge, with panoramic views, the initial vineyard was planted in 1993 in an area previously pastured. Grape varieties chosen were Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and a popular Spanish grape, Tempranillo, which was one of the first plantings in the area. Thin soils, frosts, drought and the high altitude periodically stress the vines, producing the unique characteristics and flavours in the wines. The initial planting of 5 acres was doubled several years later, as the passion for the venture grew. Owned since the late 1980’s, this is a family farm and the laborious pruning and labour is a commitment still carried out by the family.
Traditionally handpicked, harvesting of the fruit usually occurs around Easter or slightly later, and is a team effort by family, friends and a small contingent of helpers. In the first few years when there was minimal fruit, Nonno arrived annually to make the wine the traditional Italian way in the garage. This continued the tradition of at least 5 generations of our family in Italy, whose livelihood had always been linked with viticulture. Today, a prize winning local winery produces and bottles our fruit into fine quality wine for our small boutique vineyard.
A SUPERB BLEND
OUR WINES
We sell by the case only; individual bottles are available at various Canberra restaurants. Contact us now for more details.
