Hangin’ up my boots

Brenda and I have some important news to share with you. After over 40 years of winemaking, including more than 30 vintages for ourselves, the time has come for me to “hang up my boots”. Our 2020 vintage red wines – including the ‘St. Jakobi’ Shiraz, ‘GHR Neighbours’ Shiraz and a special ‘There Comes A Time’ Shiraz Cabernet – are the final release by Dutschke Wines, all of which are available online.

It was way back in 1990 when Uncle Ken and I first squashed some of the fine grapes grown on the St Jakobi vineyard. At that time, we really didn’t know where this simple process of turning grape juice to wine would take us. Building a winery and choosing to make wine has been great for Brenda and me. We and Dutschke Wines have had a great run. It’s taken us to many corners of the planet, and we’ve met many fine folk on this journey. While we are still young-ish and in good health, we’d like to slow down and maybe give a few other things a go.
Our kids, Sami and Jackson, are chasing their own dreams as they should. It’s important they carve their own path in life. They may not show interest in the wine game right now, but we will keep the Dutschke Wines brand, because one day they might want to have a shot at squashing grapes for themselves.
It will still be “business as usual” here at the winery for the next 12-18 months. Ken and Helen will continue to spend their days tending to their St Jakobi vines and we will continue with the day-to-day activities in the winery.
A note for your diary; The Shed and Tank will be open for our final cellar door in May 2023. We’ll keep going until the last bottle gets delivered.

Thank you for being part of our journey and for your support of our little winery, we hope to catch up with you soon.

Cheers,

-Wayne & Brenda.