Chester Osborn considers sale of Settlers Spirits, putting controversial plans for Blewitt Springs tasting centre in doubt

Chester Osborn’s plans to build a striking gin-tasting destination have copped a backlash – now the flamboyant winemaker’s new move has put the whole project in doubt.

An artist’s impression of the project d'Arenberg was proposing to build for Settlers Spirits. Picture: ARM Architecture Concept Report

Chester Osborn’s plans to build a striking new wine, gin and beer tasting facility at Blewitt Springs are in doubt as the flamboyant winemaker considers a potential sale of his gin and spirits business.

The $8m development – known as Sensorial Surfer Spirits – was lodged with the Onkaparinga Council earlier this year by Mr Osborn’s winery d’Arenberg, and pitched as a potential new home for Settlers Spirits, which it acquired in 2021.

With a design inspired by the region’s surf and the process of tasting wine, include a feature wave structure and fins, the two-storey cellar door and rooftop bar was to accommodate more than 500 guests.

Chester Osborn is considering a sale of Settlers Spirits. Picture: Supplied by Colliers

However, a group of local residents has been leading a campaign against the project, securing close to 500 signatories on a petition rejecting the plans, and lodging proceedings in the Environment, Resources and Development Court regarding the council’s approvals process.

They argue the “scale and intent” of the project are at odds with the “special character of the district”, while also conflicting with other local projects including a “bandicoot superhighway project” designed to save the endangered southern eastern bandicoots from extinction.

While a new proposal was expected to be lodged for approval following the local community response, there are now doubts whether that will happen given Mr Osborn is weighing up a potential sale of the Settlers Spirits business.

The McLaren Vale property currently home to Settlers Spirits, and sister brand Oceans Spirit, has been put on the market, and Mr Osborn is also considering offers for the businesses and brands.

An artist’s impression of d'Arenberg’s proposed tasting room and rooftop bar at Blewitt Springs. Picture: ARM Architecture Concept Report

The proposed development has attracted a backlash from locals. Picture: ARM Architecture Concept Report

Colliers associate director of agribusiness transactions Nick Goode, who’s been appointed to sell the property, said it was likely to generate interest from a broad range of potential buyers.

He said d’Arenberg would also consider offers for the Settlers Spirits and Oceans Spirit businesses.

“Chester (Osborn) is very flexible and would consider selling the property and business as a package if there was interest,” he said.

“The property will hold broad appeal. The tasting room, sheds and home are all separate, so leasing the commercial facilities would be quite easy, as there are many boutique producers looking for a home for their brand.

“Alternatively, it would suit an owner-occupier to a tee, given the set-up and ease in which they could operate.”

Chester Osborn outside the d’Arenberg Cube at McLaren Vale. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt.

The Foggo Rd property features a modern tasting room with stunning views of the Willunga Hills, a four-bedroom house and large insulated shedding suitable for distillation, winemaking or brewing.

It also includes on-site car parking for around 12 vehicles, approximately 1ha of vineyard planted with shiraz grapes, and licensed undercroft alfresco and lawned areas for customers.

Settlers Spirits produces a range of award-winning gins and whisky, and offers gin master classes in the distillation shed on-site as well as traditional tastings.

The first stage of an expressions of interest campaign closes at 2pm on October 19.

Mr Osborn has been contacted for comment.