Rowland Flat’s Jenke Vineyards is back on its feet after a difficult four years following a family tragedy
Rowland Flat winemakers and growers Jenke Vineyards are back on their feet after a difficult four years following a sudden family tragedy in 2016.
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Rowland Flat wine producers Jenke Vineyards are well and truly back on their feet after a difficult four years following the sudden death of sixth-generation grapegrower and winemaker, Kym Jenke.
Kym’s death rocked the Barossa Valley wine community in 2016, but now his family are continuing on with the work he loved.
The family has lived on the Rowland Flat vineyards since 1926 with three generations, John, Mark and Oscar Jenke, now in charge.
The winemaking is being carried on by Kym’s brother, Mark together with experienced winemaker Rod Chapman.
“It was an incredibly difficult time for the family after Kym’s passing,” Mark said.
“It was quite a shock and it took us a good two years to sort ourselves out and find our feet. It was also a very tough time for the family emotionally.”
“It was a significant mountain to climb but we are very grateful for a lot of support received from members of the wine industry.
“Several winemakers came in quietly and looked after Kym’s wine and others were very generous with their time and knowledge bringing us up to speed quickly on things we
needed to know, like sales and marketing.
“They always took our calls to answer our questions.”
Mark remembered his brother’s passion for the Barossa region and wine fondly.
“He loved talking on The Wine Show on Triple B FM radio and he loved his hot rods as well. He was the adventurous type, a very sociable person,” Mark said.
Winemaker Rod Chapman has worked in the wine industry since 1962, ironically starting at a winery in Rowland Flat.
During his long career he has worked for acclaimed wineries such as Gramps Orlando, Penfolds, Ross Estate, Kingston Estate and the late Carl Lindner, looking after his extensive fortified wine stock.
Rod is now mentoring Mark and his wife, Rebecca, showing them the way to be all-rounders in grape-growing, winemaking and sales.
Jenke Vineyards has recently released its seventh generation range of wines under a new label.
This range includes 2019 Semillon and 2019 Chardonnay, 2018 Shiraz, 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2018 Merlot.
All grapes are grown from old vines on the Jenke Estate and all wine is made in the winery on-site.
Paying homage to his late brother, Mark has also released the Jenke Vineyards Family Icon – 2016 Shiraz.
“This wine is a selection of the best barrels of the last wine Kym made and we have put a bit of love into the label and packaging of it. It’s pretty special and we are very proud of it,” Mark said.
“We are also continuing on Kym’s legacy and love for a bottle fermented Sparkling Shiraz. A 2008 Vintage late disgorge Sparkling Shiraz will be released in November 2020.
“That will be a very special wine as well.”
With current COVID-19 restrictions and limitations, the Jenke Vineyards’ state heritage-listed cellar door is open for private tastings by appointment only.
All recent releases can be purchased from the online shop, as well as wines from the Museum range – which are a selection of special cellared wines made by Kym Jenke from 2009 to 2016.