Bendigo Wine Makers

Chateau Dore Winery & Receptions

THE PAST

Jean Theodore deRavin was born on the 22nd December 1833 on the French Island of Martinique in the West Indies, from where in 1852 he migrated to the Colony of Victoria and eventually settled on the Sheepwash Creek at Mandurang in the Bendigo District.

lt was here he turned the first sod in Mandurang soil for the purpose of agriculture, sharing in the development of the district by commencing an industry - market gardening - supplying fresh fruit and vegetables to the fast developing population of the Bendigo gold Fields, Victoria being in the grip of Gold Fever.

ln 1866 Monsieur planted his first vines and by 1895 had 20 acres devoted to viticulture one of the largest in the district and from the early 70's he commenced wine making of a very high standard, he named his vineyard Chateau Dore'.

In 1893 he built two large storerooms and two cellars of beautifully coloured local sandstone, covering an area of 5,000 sq.feet, these buildings still stand in the original grandeur.

In 1893 phylloxera broke out in a vineyard in the Bendigo area and in accordance with the law at the time every vine within a radius of 2 miles were destroyed.

No trace of the disease ever reached the well cared for Chateau Dore' vineyard, but as it was within the radius every vine was uprooted and destroyed.

Soon after it was found necessary only to remove affected plants and replace them with resistant stock and the law was altered accordingly, but it was too late and no compensation was received by Monsieur deRavin.

However he proceeded to make wine from grapes from other vineyards, maintaining his high reputation.

In 1901 however, came the final death blow to Monsieur's wine cellars, a small amount of salicylic acid was recommended as a preservative of wine and was used by many vignerons for this purpose but a bill prohibiting the use of salicyclic acid in the manufacture of wine was brought before Parliament - Wines Adulteration Bill - and was passed and made retrospective.

On the 6th August 1901 an excise officer arrived at Chateau Dore' and commenced his work of destruction.

He denatured, by putting salt into it, 5,000 pounds worth of excellent wine (13,000 gallons) including 3,000 gallons of choice hermitage for which Chateau Dore' was famous, thus the fruits and labour of 35 years of industry were destroyed.

Monsieur deRavin grew no more wine, but turned his interest to other fields and became actively engaged with the mining industry. He was at one time director of forty mining companies.

THE PRESENT

History is repeating itself, In 1975 - 115 years later Ivan 8 Jan Grose (Ivan is the grandson of J.T.deRavin & 4th generation at the Chateau) re-established the vineyard and have to date 15 acres planted with vines, mainly Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rhine Riesling and small plantings of Chardonnay.

In addition to the winery Jan & Ivan have turned the 1893 storeroom in the stone winery into a charming reception room where they cater for weddings, 21st birthdays, anniversarys, christmas parties & all special occassions.

They welcome guests into the shaded tranquil haven of their elegant Victorian homestead garden for pre-dinner drinks before moving down to the historic 19th century winery for an evening of fine wine & dining.

Jan offers a very personalised service & is on hand to make sure your special day is a romantic wedding in the elegant period charm of delightful Chateau Dore'.

Phone her on 03 5439 5278

Cellar Door

Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm, Sat 9am to 2pm, Sun 10.30am to 5pm. This historic winery was established in 1856 by Jean De Ravin and still stands today in its original grandeur.

8 Km from P.O. Travel along Pall Mall to the Fountain, turn left into Mitchell Street, travel along Mitchell Street which becomes Carpenter Street to the Bendigo Cemetery, at the Cemetery veer into Spring Gully Road (large green road sign board directing you to Mandurang). Spring Gully Road becomes Mandurang Road.

Contact Chateau Dore Winery & Receptions