Renzaglia
In 1982, Guy and Betty Renzaglia defied the dry status of Alto Pass, Illinois, and planted their first grapevines, pioneering the Illinois wine industry against significant resistance. Their son Mark, alongside his "Aussie wife" Sandy, joined the struggle, experiencing the challenges and rewards of establishing Alto Vineyards. Winemaking then became a family tradition, leading Mark and Sandy to plant their own vines in 1997, establishing Bella Luna vineyard in the then-untouched O’Connell Valley, NSW.
Today, Mark and Sandy's son Sam carries the torch, fully dedicated to maintaining the family legacy. The Bella Luna vineyard has flourished, doubling in size since 2020, expanding to Mt Panorama Estate and Winooka Park Vineyards, and boasting a new winery overlooking the original vines.
But for the Renzaglias, greatness lies beyond the bottle. They believe exceptional wines begin in the vineyard, nurtured by a healthy ecosystem. They prioritize biodiversity, employing extensive composting techniques with on-farm waste and natural additives to enrich the soil, promoting microbial life and water retention. Cover crops and wild vegetation become partners in this process, attracting a rich fauna of native birds, reptiles, and even returning koalas.
The Renzaglias see themselves as stewards, not just of their vines, but of the entire ecosystem. Their story is a testament to the power of family, perseverance, and dedication to crafting not just great wines, but a thriving environment for generations to come.
2022 Dark Horse Winery of the Year
"In the past, a history of at least four lesser ratings has been mandated. However, our new system of awarding star ratings based on a three-year rolling average makes it inherently difficult for wineries to qualify for a Dark Horse listing. Consequently, the requirement of a four-year track record has been dropped. Meet this year's winner below:
These are the sort of savoury mid-weighters across price points that this country should make more of. Minimal imprint in the vineyard and winery, judicious use of high-quality oak and courageous extraction gift us with a suite of detailed, precise and prodigiously digestible wines. These are the sort of savoury mid-weighters across price points that this country should make more of. With growing traction on the best lists of Sydney, I suggest you grab some of these wines while the going is still good."
- Ned Goodwin MW (Halliday Wine Companion)
"The Renzaglia family's history in grape growing dates back to 1982 in Alto Pass, Illinois, when the Renzaglias were among the first to plant vines in what was then a dry county (in which the sale of alcohol was banned). Second-generation Mark Renzaglia was drawn to Australia by his now wife Sandy and, taking a leaf out of their ancestors' book, they planted their first vineyard in ’97 in O’Connell Valley of NSW, the very first to do so. Sons Sam and Paul have since joined the family business and in that time Renzaglia Wines has expanded the range to include modern representations under the di Renzo label as well as their thoughtful and classically framed Renzaglia range. - Shanteh Wale (Halliday Wine Companion)
