Wine Dinner: Chalmers Wine Dinner

CHALMERS WINE DINNER

Fearrington is proud to welcome Tennille Chalmers of Chalmers Winery from Australia, and Jane Lopes, Sommelier and Owner of Legend Imports. We will be featuring five wines from Chalmers, an Australian family that focuses on Italian grape varietals, alongside three more wines from the Legend portfolio of Australian producers.

TENNILLE CHALMERS

Bruce and Jenni Chalmers began growing grapes in the 1980s, with their vineyard in Murray Darling, on the border of Victoria and New South Wales. This diverse and thriving vineyard spawned their nursery business, which is responsible for importing close to 70 new clones and varieties. These varieties were released to Australia in 2000 and have since been a major factor in the improvements in sustainability and quality seen in the Australian wine industry in the last 20 years.

There has always been a focus on Italian varieties, which has been amplified under the next generation; Bruce and Jenni’s daughters Kim and Tennille have been the custodians of the family business since 2005 and 2011, respectively. Under their care, Chalmers purchased an 80- hectare plot in the northern portion Heathcote, where they have been able to find the greatest Australian terroirs for the Italian grapes they’ve been importing and championing for decades. Their success has been largely dependent on their ability to match Italian grapes to Australian climates, focusing on thick-skinned grapes that are drought tolerant, resistant to sunburn, and have plenty of natural acidity.

Kim and Tennille have been instrumental in the amplification of the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show, and in 2015 they also spearheaded 21st Century Vino, an initiative to increase awareness and expertise in Italian varieties grown across Australia. Bruce and Jenni are still ever-involved in the company, “always looking for the next big thing,” as Kim says.

JANE LOPES

Jane Lopes and Jonathan Ross, a wife and husband team, are the co-founders of Legend Imports: a company devoted solely to importing Australian wine to the US. Jane and Jon started off their careers in the US in retail and hospitality, between them working at Eleven Madison Park, The Violet Hour, The Catbird Seat, Oceana, and others. Jane and Jon moved to Australia in 2017 to work at Attica and the Rockpool Group, respectively, and gained a quick appreciation for the wines of Australia and how little exposure there was to them in the US. While in Australia, Jane and Jon both passed the master sommelier exam, and Jane wrote her first book titled ‘Vignette’. Upon returning to the US in 2020, Jane and Jon launched Legend, and could not be more thrilled to be bringing the great wines (and stories) of Australia to a table near you. A second book followed – ‘How to Drink Australian’ co -authored by Jane and Jon, on all things Australian wine.

Add a signed copy of Jane Lopes & Jonathan Ross’ book, How to Drink Australian: An Essential Modern Wine Book for $45 at checkout.

Stay tuned for Chef Paul Gagne’s 5-course dinner menu that will pair with 8 memorable wines.