Strenua

Launched as an independent wine venture between two students in 2014, Strenua has only released a couple vintages of their wines. The winery is located just north of the Yarra Valley, in a little town called Chum Creek. They are located in a cooler part of the valley (cooler by almost 5 degrees), which gives their grapes an extra freshness.

Owners Dale Wheeler and Rhen Dodd have worked hard to revitalise the derelict vineyard they purchased. It has taken them 2 and a half years to get their vineyard up to organic standards, but their efforts have definitely paid off. Their wines have been terrific so far and are as difficult to keep on the shelves as they are to get in the first place!

Dale and Rhen operate their winery and vineyard with strict and complete adherence to organic principles and some biodynamic techniques. Their focus is on generating greater biodiversity within the soils, because they believe this leads to more expressive wines. They apply low intervention philosophy in the cellar, using seasoned oak and no fining or filtration to let the vineyard really shine through. The result is beautifully pure and delicate wines. We can't wait to see what's in store for their next batch!