We celebrate the life of Mr. David Bruer, who sadly passed this week. Organic Industries of Australia recognises outstanding contributions to the organic industry, and David Bruer is certainly an individual that has contributed not only as a pioneering organic grape grower, but also in industry standards, and programs to support aspiring young winemakers and much more. Our thoughts are with the Bruer family.
David Bruer (1945-2023) was a pioneer of sustainable and organic winemaking in Australia.
He studied chemistry at the University of Adelaide and Flinders University. During the 1970.s and 80’s he was a much-respected lecturer and course developer in the Oenology Department at Roseworthy College, where he met his late wife Barbara, also a chemistry lecturer.
David and Barbara planted their first vines in Langhorne Creek in 1973, where they also operated a vine nursery. In the late 70’s, David became the full-time winemaker at Temple Bruer Winery.
Dave was an early member of the Organic Vignerons Association of Australia and contributed significantly to the evolution of organic grape growing and wine making standards at NASAA, BFA and the National Standard. He also led the way in measuring the carbon footprint of Temple Bruer using a cradle-to-gate lifecycle analysis to become carbon-neutral.
David died on 8 October 2023, leaving a legacy of many young winemakers inspired by his lecturing career and the example of organic and sustainable production methods at Temple Bruer, which remains under the leadership of his son, Michael Bruer.
Temple Bruer Wines 2022 Preservative Free Shiraz Malbec won two trophies at the Riverland Wine Show two weeks ago.