The passing of David Bruer, the ‘Godfather’ of organic and sustainable wines, leaves many grieving

He was responsible for transforming the state’s wine industry, with David Bruer’s death leaving behind an “extraordinary legacy” that is truly unrivalled.

David Bruer was considered the ‘Godfather’ of organic and sustainable wines in South Australia. Picture: Supplied.

It’s a title befitting of a man who transformed winemaking in South Australia – David Bruer has been called SA’s “Godfather of wine”.

The well-known winemaker, who was a pioneer of organic and sustainable winemaking, died on Sunday aged 77 due to a bowel cancer.

Since peacefully passing away, the founder of Temple Bruer Wines has been remembered for his “extraordinary legacy in his work”.

In a statement, Temple Bruer Wines said it had lost a great leader and remarkable man.

“David’s legacy will continue to inspire us as we move forward with his son, Michael Bruer, leading the way. True to David’s spirit, business will continue to run as usual.”

Temple Bruer Wines at Strathalbyn. David Bruer with his Cabernet Sauvignon grape vines. Pic: Tricia Watkinson.

Michael Bruer told The Advertiser that his family was reassured by the knowledge that David had escaped his cancer suffering.

“Dad put up the most amazing fight through chemo, radio and then surgery and when he was told he couldn’t beat it, that was it,” he said.

“It was the pain management that he had the hardest time with but everything has its time. He’s no longer suffering and he’s in a better place.”

He added: “Dad is one of the most amazing people I have ever met, really kind, really hard working, and just honest to a fault. It’s been an honour and a privilege to have been his son, to have been his colleague, to have been his friend.”

The Facebook page for the Strathalbyn-based business was also inundated with tributes from friends, family and colleagues.

Jason Meringolo wrote, “The wine industry lost an innovator and legend! My prayers go to the entire Temple Bruer Family. I will be toasting him soon with a bottle.”

Carolyn Suggate added, “What a legendary man. RIP – may the wine world be all the richer for your skill and art of winemaking.”

Marq Anderzon said, “I met David within a few months of coming to Adelaide in 1997. He was a great and inspiring person. A creative intellect that made the world a better place. It is a great loss indeed.”

Mr Bruer’s expertise came after studying chemistry at the University of Adelaide and at Flinders University.

After graduating he was in charge of the Oenology Department at Roseworthy College

David Bruer with his Cabernet Sauvignon grape vines. Pic: Tricia Watkinson.

Mr Bruer moved into wine after meeting his late wife, Barbara, who was a fellow chemistry teacher.

The pair planted their first vines in a small property in Langhorne Creek 50 years ago in 1973, together they nurtured the vines into grapes to sell to other winemakers.

In the late 1970s, David established his winery, Temple Bruer in Angas Plains, dedicating all his efforts to become a full-time winemaker.

In the mid-1980s, David’s expertise in sustainable winemaking earned him the esteemed title of “the Godfather” of Australian organic wines among his peers in the Organic Vignerons Association of Australia.

His knowledge and passion for sustainable wines has played a formative role in the reshaping of Australian’s winemaking standards, and converting the Riverland properties to the Temple Bruer standard of sustainable viticulture.