John Gehrig Wines

The Gehrig family has been making wine for five generations in Rutherglen, but in August 2011 the shape and size of the business increased rapidly. The purchase of an 80ha vineyard from Rutherglen Winemakers saw estate plantings rise from 6ha to 85ha; the vineyard purchased by Gehrig has a rich history, with an 1870 building known as Snarts Winery operating until the 1940s. Heritage listed, it has been restored and now operates as the cellar door. Work to rehabilitate the vineyard continues; part is used for the significantly increased John Gehrig production, the remainder of the grapes are sold. -JAMES HALLIDAY