Established in 1928, De Bortoli Wines has grown to become one of Australia’s most esteemed family wine companies, renowned equally for its classic icon wines as it is for its new wine innovations.
Here, Managing Director and third-generation family member Darren De Bortoli reflects on De Bortoli Wines’ current positioning:
“At De Bortoli Wines, our journey has always been about a commitment to quality, community, and sustainability. We believe that great wine begins in the vineyard and should reflect the character of the region where its grapes are grown. This philosophy shapes our identity, where every bottle embodies the integrity and richness of Australia’s unique terroir. Our dedication to this ideal extends beyond winemaking; it’s about fostering a culture that values resilience, ethical practices, and a strong sense of community. By cultivating these values, we empower our team to contribute to a sustainable, responsible, and future-focused business.
Sustainability:
Sustainability is not a trend for us; it’s the core principle that guides all our efforts. This year, we proudly celebrated the certification of our Rutherglen site by Sustainable Winegrowing Australia - a significant milestone that reflects years of commitment. Our goal remains to become a ‘Zero Waste Wine Company,’ as we continually work to reduce our environmental impact in every part of our production process, from the vineyard to your table.
In addition, our CSR initiative, the 17 TREES range has become a purposeful brand dedicated to a sustainable future, with about 80,000 trees planted worldwide with export expanding from North America and Asia to, most recently, China. De Bortoli’s journey in sustainability also continues to evolve with the Wine By The Glass System, a convenient, compact, and portable way to serve wines on tap that saves time, energy, and resources.
Innovation:
This year, we’re thrilled to introduce several new products that reflect current trends and our love for creating memorable wines. Building on the success of our Rosé Rosé and BLUE Gris, we launched the ‘Pinot’ Pinot Noir—a light, chillable, and versatile wine that brings a fresh perspective to our portfolio.
We’re also strengthening our spritz portfolio with the introduction of Chill Bill, a fruity spritz, and the Limoncello Spritz. These bubbly, refreshing drinks offer consumers fun and exciting new ways to enjoy wine. As cocktails continue to gain popularity, we’re embracing the wine cocktail trend by offering options that not only capture the vibrant spirit of cocktails but also provide innovative, accessible ways to enjoy wine.
Awards:
Our commitment to excellence has been recognized through several prestigious awards this year. Our 2020 Noble One continues to distinguish itself, earning two trophies, nine gold medals, and the Halliday Wine Companion Award for Best Sweet White of the Year. These accolades reaffirm our dedication to creating high-quality, expressive wines.
De Bortoli’s efforts to craft quality rosé wines are equally celebrated, with the 2023 Rosé Rosé winning the prestigious Rosé trophy at the 2024 National Capital Wine Show. This win, along with the 2022 De Bortoli Rosé Rosé’s Master Medal at the 2023 Global Rosé Masters, has helped solidify our position in leading Australian rosé on the world stage. We remain committed to producing rosés that highlight Australia’s exceptional terroir and stand out for their character and quality.
As we look toward the future, De Bortoli Wines remains steadfast in our mission to craft wines that bring joy, celebrate heritage, and inspire a sustainable path forward. We’re excited for the journey ahead and look forward to further establishing De Bortoli as a leader in quality, sustainability, and innovation.”
This article was written by Darren De Bortoli (above) for Drinks Guide 2025, which was distributed nationwide in December and can be viewed digitally here. If you did not receive a physically copy and would like to be added to the Drinks Trade/Guide magazine mailing list, get in touch with the team now.
Share the content
