Wine has been with me since my grandpa used to take me to Kaiser Stuhl in the Barossa, when I was 4 years old, to fill his flagons full of muscat and port to top up his barrel at the farm at Eudunda in SA. The aromas in the winery are still with me as were the blending exercise Grandpa did and the “schluck” of the blend he let me have.
So I knew at some stage in my professional life I would be wound in by the lure of the grape.
After teaching high school students for 8 years I eventually enrolled at Roseworthy Agricultural College and started on my road as a student to be a winemaker. The journey was short as I had failed to realize that Chemistry (which I failed in Year 12) and vast amounts of cleaning were essential in the job. So I took the cleaner route of selling and marketing wine - initially for Yalumba and Negociants (12 years), and then out on my own under my own name, Russell Gehling Wines.
Over the years I have also been involved in education through staff training at restaurants, private classes and through the WINE AND SPIRIT TRUST Course taking Levels 2 and 3 combining my experience of teaching, and my love for wine.
Established in 2007 with initially one product - Stoney Rise Pinot - the company has actively sought out boutique producers who have commitment, attention to detail and a passion to produce outstanding examples of the varieties suited to the climate and soil in their vineyards.
To grow, the brands, cafes, bistros and restaurants have been very supportive in promoting the wines for both their customers and my company, and now I have an arm to aid people in the purchase hard to find European and Australian wines of outstanding quality. The future will see more special wines hit the RGW portfolio.
Thanks for browsing the website and we look forward to providing good wines at good prices.
In 1995, Russell's life took a remarkable turn.
Struck down by the hideous Transverse Myelitis syndrome, and without warning, he became paralysed from the waist down turning his life upside down from the fit young man he had been. You can read excerpts from his book 'Who Borrowed my Legs' which outlines an inspiring journey of courage and 'gutsy determination'.
Just click on the book cover on the right .....
