De Salis Wines

This is the venture of research scientist Charles (Charlie) Svenson and wife Loretta. Charlie became interested in winemaking when, aged 32, he returned to study microbiology and biochemistry at UNSW. In 2009, after a prolonged search, Charlie and Loretta purchased a vineyard first planted in 1993, then known as Wattleview and now as Lofty Vineyard. At 1050m, it is the highest vineyard in the Orange GI, with pinot noir (6 clones), chardonnay, merlot, pinot meunier and sauvignon blanc. In 2015 they purchased the Forest Edge Vineyard with pinot noir (2ha, including three clones), sauvignon blanc (2.5ha) and chardonnay (1.5ha). The majority of the fruit from this vineyard is sold to Brokenwood. -JAMES HALLIDAY