Winemaker Portrait : Dean Hewitson
A Magical Evening with Dean Hewitson: Journey into the Heart of Australian Wines
What an unforgettable evening we had at the Cave des Halles! Dean Hewitson, an Australian gentleman-farmer and winemaker, came to share his exceptional wines with us. It was like taking a tour of Australia, glass in hand!
Dean introduced us to wines from century-old vineyards in Barossa and the stunning landscapes of the Adelaide Hills. Believe me, every sip was a true lesson in history and passion for the land. Dean Hewitson, the owner and talented winemaker behind Hewitson Wines, is recognized as one of the best producers of his generation. The evening turned into a genuine masterclass in viticulture, marked by an ethic of respect for the land and a devotion to producing wines that authentically reflect their origin.
The Jewel in the Crown? The Monopole Mother Vine Shiraz. This wine, my friends, is like tasting a piece of history. Imagine: grapes from vines planted in 1853! It's like traveling back in time with every sip.
Commitment to Sustainability and Biodiversity
What really touched us was Dean's commitment to the environment. He doesn't just make great wine; he takes care of our planet! He recycles rainwater to irrigate his vines, uses solar energy, and replants trees to create a habitat for local wildlife. It's inspiring to see someone so concerned about the future, isn't it? Dean Hewitson adopts a sustainable approach to viticulture, combining winemaking with environmental respect symbiotically. He uses cutting-edge methods to reduce electricity use, carbon footprint, water consumption, and waste production.
The winery is equipped with advanced solar panels, significantly reducing its dependence on the electrical grid. Dean is also committed to improving soil health to increase grape quality and yield while promoting biodiversity. This effort includes eradicating weeds, increasing organic matter, and permanent mulching under the vines. By reforesting red gum trees along the Para River, he has restored the floodplains to their 19th-century state, creating a rich habitat for local fauna and acting as a vital carbon sink.
Dean Hewitson is also a member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, a national program promoting sustainable practices in the wine industry. By adopting these practices, participants aim to reduce their environmental impact, improve resource efficiency, and ensure the long-term viability of wine production.
The Charm of Barossa and Adelaide Hills
Let's talk a bit about these delicious wines, shall we? On one hand, we tasted wines from Barossa. Wow! Rich, powerful, with aromas that instantly transport you to the Australian sun.
Barossa, often compared to Napa Valley in California, is a true jewel of the Australian wine industry. This prestigious region is renowned for producing rich and full-bodied wines, notably from grape varieties such as Shiraz and Mourvèdre. With its ideal climate and varied soils, Barossa allows winemakers to grow grapes that develop intense aromas and a complex structure.
And then, surprise! The wines from Adelaide Hills offered us a completely different journey. Fresher, lighter, with floral notes that dance on the tongue. It was fascinating to see how two regions so close could produce such different wines!
Adelaide Hills offers a captivating diversity of climates and geologies, allowing for the creation of elegant and refined wines. Situated at a higher altitude, this region benefits from cooler climatic conditions, ideal for producing aromatic white wines and lighter, more subtle red wines. The varied soils add extra complexity to the wines, reflecting the unique character of each plot.
The juxtaposition of these two regions in the same tasting allowed participants to appreciate the wide range of flavors and styles that Australian wines can offer. The wines from Adelaide Hills, with their finesse and elegance, provided a perfect counterpoint to the opulent and full-bodied wines of Barossa, thus illustrating the remarkable versatility of the Australian terroir.
An Evening Among Friends
The best part of it all? The warm atmosphere and the passionate discussions around the wines. Being able to ask Dean questions directly was the icing on the cake! We laughed, we learned, we tasted... In short, we had a blast! These evenings at Vinodelice are always a moment of sharing and discovery that we adore.
Our events are designed to foster moments of conviviality and sharing. This tasting was no exception. The friendly atmosphere encouraged lively exchanges between participants and Dean Hewitson. Interacting directly with a renowned winemaker like Dean was a highlight, allowing everyone to discover the subtleties of Australian winemaking and the unique stories behind each wine.
We are already looking forward to future tastings that will continue to highlight exceptional winemakers and carefully selected wine selections. Our commitment to diversity and conviviality remains at the heart of everything we do, and we are excited to bring more unique and enriching experiences to our community.
For those who wish to delve deeper into Dean Hewitson's winemaking philosophy and explore his exceptional wines, we invite you to watch an explanatory video on the Spoken Wines channel. Click here to embark on this visual journey into the world of one of Australia's greatest winemakers.
