Dive into the Chalmers Story
About Us
Redefining the Modern Face of Australian Wine
For over three decades, the Chalmers family have fine-tuned their sustainable, warm-climate viticulture practices, while also being the leader in the importation and propagation of climate-apt Italian varieties. Through endlessly evolving nursery, vineyard and winemaking trials, Chalmers has changed the face of Australian wine. The brands under the Chalmers umbrella represent the fruits of those labours, wines made with a gentle hand that reflect an ever-inquisitive mission to craft expressions of ancient grapes that are uniquely reflective of their new homes.
Chalmers is a family operation, with Bruce and Jenni working alongside their daughters, Kim and Tennille. Kim’s husband, Bart van Olphen, takes the reins in the bespoke Merbein winery, where all the wines are made, relying solely on the bountiful native yeast population for fermentation and employing a variety of vessels and traditional, manual techniques to frame varietal character and build texture and complexity.
Many of the grapes in the Chalmers Nursery Collection have been chosen for their ability to thrive in warm and dry conditions. That selection has presented exciting new prospects for making vibrant and elegant wines in warm to hot climates, and from vines that can be farmed sustainably with long-term climate suitability. It has also enhanced the capacity for quality white wine production in areas where fuller reds have traditionally dominated – it’s not just about grapes suited to the conditions, but equally about wines best suited to the climate.
Winemaking
At Chalmers Wines, our winemaking philosophy is built around the concept of ‘gentle hand.’ We believe that the best wines are those that are made with love, care, and attention to detail. Our approach is rooted in patience, sensitivity, and a deep understanding of the land. We work closely with nature, using traditional methods and minimal intervention to coax out the unique characteristics of each grape variety. From traditional method sparklings to appassimento dessert wines, our range is a reflection of our commitment to experimentation, quiet observation, and experience. Every wine is a testament to the beauty of gentle winemaking.
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Sustainability
The Chalmers business prioritizes sustainability, recognizing that economic viability and environmental stewardship go hand-in-hand. They reduce their energy impact through the use of lightweight bottles, recycled materials, and solar power. The vineyard employs a diverse workforce and supports local schools and organizations. By fostering soils rich in microbial life and using drought-tolerant varieties, they minimize water usage and promote biodiversity.
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The Nursery
The Chalmers Nursery Collection is a unique catalog of over 100 grape varieties and clones, featuring climate-apt Italian grapes and hero varieties like Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, and more. This collection offers growers new possibilities for wine production, with options suited to warm and dry conditions.
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