SCHWARZ WINE COMPANY
JASON SCHWARZ
BETHANY

“…MY WINES SHOW THAT UNIQUE DRY GROWN, LOW YIELDING, HAND TENDED VINEYARD CHARACTER.”

It wasn't easy being the son and grandson of state pruning champions, and when I finished school I thought I'd pursue any interest other than winemaking and grape growing - but it didn't last long.

The break away from the family property actually fuelled my appreciation of the skill of shaping a vineyard, from pruning in the dead of winter to harvesting in summer. After working for a number of larger wineries in their vineyards, I decided to study Wine Marketing at Roseworthy Agricultural College.

When I completed my studies I travelled through Europe and the Western United States fascinated by the variety of techniques used in the process of viticulture and winemaking. It was in South Africa working with a couple of other lost Barossans that my passion for winemaking started.

On my return to Australia I set about developing my skills as a winemaker and after working vintage with several wineries I decided to go it alone.

I started Schwarz Wine Company in 2001, and that year I produced just one tonne of Shiraz purchased from my father's Nitschke Block vineyard.

My portfolio has now expanded to include the single vineyard Thiele Road Grenache and The Dust Kicker regional blend made from some of my favourite little fruit parcels in the Barossa. All of my wines show that unique dry grown, low yielding, hand tended vineyard character.

My goal in winemaking is to enhance these characteristics, so I use traditional open fermenters and a basket press, I don't filter the wines and I mature in French oak for subtlety.

I now realise it is pretty good being the son of a state pruning champion - these wines could never have been made without the dedication of my parents, who have continually strived to produce fruit of the highest quality at our vineyard in Bethany.

www.schwarzwineco.com.au