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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 which contribute the quality of the wines produced in this area.
The vineyard is owned by Michael and Wendy O'Dea and has been established using the help of friends and family. In particular the O'Dea children - Peter and Lizzy, and Wendy's sister's family - Vicki, Chris, Robert and Laura. We also received a great deal of help from Wendy's mother, Robin, Michael's family and friends like Jim, Peter Haycock, the Jones', the Wight-Wicks, Simon, Jane and Nick, the Mus family and many more. Whilst it was a lot of hard work it was also fun (at times). Here are some photos of the vineyard development - Enjoy!
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. These vines produced their first fruit in 2002 and the first fruit from the Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz vines produced in 2001. Pinot Noir (1 acre) and Riesling (1.5 acres) were planted in 2000 and produced their first crop in 2004.
The winery is capable of handling 20 tonnes.