Ernest Schuetz Estate Wines

Ernest Schuetz’s involvement in the wine industry started in 1988 at the age of 21. Working in various liquor outlets and as a sales representative for Miranda Wines, McGuigan Simeon and, later, Watershed Wines gave him an in-depth understanding of all aspects of the wine market. In 2003, he and wife Joanna purchased the Arronvale Vineyard (first planted in ’91), at an altitude of 530m. When the Schuetzes acquired the vineyard, it was planted to merlot, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon, and they have since grafted 1ha to riesling, pinot blanc, pinot gris, zinfandel and nebbiolo. The estate plantings have been complemented by other varieties purchased from other growers. A new cellar door is set to open in September '24. Exports to Vietnam and Hong Kong. -JAMES HALLIDAY