BOB SMITH

Recollections from Bob

I did the 71 vintage at Leo Buring Tanunda under John Vickery and the 72 vintage at Berri whilst doing the Oenology course. After completing the Oenology course at Roseworthy I commenced work at Berri in December 1973 so I was around at the time of ‘the fire’ in February 1974. I worked as a winemaker under Brian and Ian for many years until Brian and then Ian departed when I became Chief Winemaker. I left the company on June 30 1984 to go and work for H.J. Heinz and establish the Stanley Wine Co. at Buronga N.S.W. (now a 90,000 tonne winery)
I left the Stanley Wine Co. in December 2000 to concentrate on our own business which had become more than a hobby.

Highlights during my time at the Berri Winery

- Brian picking up the Jimmy Watson Trophy for the 72 red.
- Gaining a Gold medal for the Rhine Riesling in the Adelaide Show in 1974 (disastrous year)
- Assisting the Berri Coop Winery becoming the most successful exhibitor in the Inaugural National Wine Show in Canberra.
- Growing the Company particular in table wines.
- The Berri/Remano merger.

Highlights, non-work Related

- Marrying Pauline Swinstead and having 2 girls (Hayley and Cherie).
- Hayley now 23 and working at the City Council of Holdfast Bay at Glenelg.
- Cherie 19, attends the University of S.A. and plays basketball for the Adelaide Lightning.
- Building a new home at South Monash.
- Purchasing 350 acres at Gol Gol North, N.S.W.
- Winning the 1974 football Grand Final with Waikerie and then the 1975 Grand Final with Berri.
- Hearing about the Football legend “Orgy Williams” from the Sturt ruckman Malcolm Hill.

Bob Smith