Chalmers
About Chalmers
Bruce and Jenni Chalmers started growing grapes in the 1980s, with their vineyard at Euston developing into one of the largest and most diverse privately owned vineyards in the country. Their nursery business was responsible for importing a selection of around 70 new clones and varieties, many of which are now used in the production of Chalmers’ Italian variety wines. Since selling the original vineyard in 2008, the family has established two new sites: one in Heathcote, and an experimental vineyard in Merbein. Named Viticulturalist of the Year by Gourmet Traveller wine, their commitment and innovation and excellence has made them a pivotal force in the wine industry for decades. Daughters Kim and Tennille are paving the way, driving the business forward and experimenting with new varieties and clones.
About Kim and Tennille Chalmers
Kim and Tennille have taken charge and are currently running the family business. Along with Kim’s husband, winemaker Bart Van Olphen completing the family team in 2011, the Chalmers cannot be stopped! Kim studied at the University of Adelaide, and has been a Director at Chalmers Wines since 2005, managing operations from the vine to the wine list. In 2011, she was awarded an AgriFoods Skills Australia Overseas Fellowship, for which she wrote a paper entitled ”Hot Climate Wine Growing, Making and Marketing in Southern Italy and its Application in Australia.” Tennille joined in 2012, following a 10-year career in hospitality, most recently as a sommelier. The Chalmers sisters have been pivotal in turning the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show into a major event on the wine awards calendar. In 2015, they also spearheaded 21st Century Vino, an initiative to increase awareness and expertise in Italian vine varieties grown in Australia.