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History
Located at an altitude of 600m Dionysus Winery is ideally suited to the production of high quality wine. The vineyard was planted over three years, commencing in 1998. In all, 10 acres of vines have been planted. The varieties planted are: Cabernet Sauvignon; Shiraz; Pinot Noir; Merlot; Chardonnay; Sauvignon Blanc; and Riesling. The winery was constructed in 2000 and operation commenced at the beginning of 2001. Dionysus Winery is a family business focussed on producing high quality wines from fruit grown on its own vineyard. In 1996 Michael and Wendy O'Dea decided to purchase a 40 acre property in Murrumbateman and live their dream of starting a winery. Michael has completed an Associate Degree in Winegrowing at Charles Sturt University and is chiefly responsible for Winemaking and Viticulture. Wendy O'Dea has completed Viticulture and Winemaking Courses at the Canberra Institute of TAFE as well as a Small Business Management Course and is chiefly responsible for wine marketing and business planning.
Winemaking
The winemaking approach at Dionysus is simple; attention to detail at every stage of the process is paramount. For the floral white varieties cool fermentation techniques are in favour to emphasise the fruit characters. For Chardonnay, barrel fermentation and skilfull use of malolactic fermentation are the key to producing complex wines. For the reds the emphasis is on warm fermentation, followed by 12 to 24 months in oak barriques to soften the tannins and enhance the fruit flavours.
The Vineyard
Dionysus Winery and vineyard are nestled in the rolling hills east of the village of Murrumbateman in the Canberra District. The vineyard is planted in fertile granite based volcanic soils. The climate of this area is similar to Canberra with a rainfall of around 600mm per year and cool autumns that contribute the quality of the wines produced in this area. The first planting at Dionysus Winery was in October 1998, when 1.5 acres each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz were planted. These vines were devastated by the October 1998 frost, however almost all recovered and grew up to the cordon wire in the first season. Chardonnay (1.5 acres), Sauvignon Blanc (1 acre) and Merlot (1 acre) were planted in 1999. Pinot Noir (1 acre) and Riesling (1.5 acres) were planted in 2000 and produced their first crop in 2004. The winery was constructed in 2001 and a separate cellar door is also in operation. The winery is capable of handling 30 tonnes per year..
Visit Us
Dionysus Winery is open for cellar door tastings on weekends and public holidays from 10am to 5pm. We welcome visitors at other times during the week by appointment (call 02 6227 0208 to arrange a time.
Group Tasting Packages
Michael and Wendy O'Dea, owners and wine makers at Dionysus Winery, enjoy sharing their passion for wine with small and large groups. For groups of ten or more people we have developed a range of group tasting options to ensure that your visit to Dionysus Winery meets all your needs.
Taste and Race ($5 per person) - For a quick visit to Dionysus Winery to taste the range of white, red and dessert wines. Work through the range of premium wines with the winemaker as your guide.
Premium Taste ($10 per person) - Relax and enjoy tasting the full range of Dionysus premium wines with the winemaker as your guide. You will also be able to savour a platter of local produce as well as cheese, cold meats and crackers. Each person will receive $5.00 off a bottle of wine*.
Party Package ($20 per person) - Enjoy the relaxed and quiet atmosphere of Dionysus Winery under the enclosed pergola. Guests will be able to have a taste of all of the Dionysus Winery premium wines under the guidance of the winemaker, savour a platter of local produce as well as cheese, cold meats and crackers. Each guest will receive $5.00 off a bottle of wine* as well as a souvenir glass to take home with them. The guest of honour (eg birthday boy or girl, hen) will receive a free bottle of wine.
*Discount applies to one bottle only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount or offer. Bookings are requested at least seven days before the tasting. A 30% non-refundable deposit will be required at the time of booking.
What is on offer
As well as the wonderful, handcrafted wines, Dionysus Winery sells a range of local (and not so local) gourmet produce. We have a range of chutneys, jams, dukkah, tapenade, pesto, mustards and lots more. We also have a range of Harney and Sons premium quality teas for sale.
If you're after a light lunch or a warm drink, DIonysus Winery offers vineyard platters for two that have a range of the local produce, cold meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables and a lot more. You may also choose from our Duo of Dips or Individual Cheese plate to take away the niggling hunger.
Dionysus Winery have teamed up wqith local coffee roasters, Ideal Coffee, to have a special blend of arabica beans roasted each week for the winery. Enjoy a cup of coffee or perhaps try one of the Harney and Sons premium teas.