Vale William (Bill) Chambers OAM
Photo Bill Chambers courtesy Wine Ten Questions
William “Bill” Chambers - A true “Legend” in the Winemaking Industry
June 5th 1933 - December 14th 2023
5th Generation Chambers Winemaker & Vineyard/Winery Owner
William “Bill” Chambers is a gold medal graduate from Roseworthy SA, with first class honours in oenology. He stayed on in South Australia for eight years after graduating to work with the Stanley Wine Company of Clare, returning to Rutherglen in 1956 to run the family business on the death of his grandfather.
Bill continued the development and evolution of Rosewood, installing stainless steel tanks and other modern equipment whilst maintaining the traditions and skills handed down to him. He carefully tended and nurtured the solera systems, begun by his grandfather Will Chambers many years ago, ensuring the highest possible quality of the fortified wines.
Highly envied and respected for his excellent palate, Bill was an esteemed Wine Judge from 1962-2001, judging at all capital city and many regional shows in Australia. He retired, in 2001, as Chairman of Judges at the Melbourne Wine Show, a position he held for more than twenty years.
Rutherglen Vignerons: Back row (LtoR) John Brown Jnr, Doug Jones, Andrew Birks, Bill Chambers, Norm Killeen, Barney Gehrig, Colin Campbell, Front row (LtoR) Keith Gayfer, Harry Tinson, Mick Morris, George Sutherland Smith, Dick Buller
Robert Parker Jr, US wine critic, of the Wine Spectator and The Wine Advocate magazines (USA) acclaims Bill as “…the undisputed king of the fortified wine business.” His descriptions of his wines as “…undoubtedly among the greatest after dinner, fortified wines made in the world” and “…simply mind-boggling” relay his high regard for the Chambers products. Chambers were the first to receive a 100 out of 100 point score in 2001 from Parker, for the Chambers Rosewood Rare Muscat. Parker included Chambers as one of only seven Australian wineries in his book, “The World’s Greatest Wine Estates”.
“nothing less than national treasures” and “some of the world’s most remarkable dessert wines”. Parker
Bill has received numerous awards over the years including a particularly pertinent award – a citation as ‘The least likely winemaker to promote himself and his wines.’
The Victorian Wine Industry presented him with a Distinguished Service Award, the Winemakers of Rutherglen proclaimed him as a living ‘Legend’ while his peers in the Winemakers Federation of Australia awarded him Life Membership. Most recently the Australian Government recognised Bill’s service to the Australian wine industry and wine judging with the Order of Australia.
Many young winemakers have also benefited from his advice and experience and although not an easy act to follow, all indications show that Stephen Chambers will not only maintain but advance the reputation of the Chambers Rosewood label.
Stephen & Bill Chambers discussing Muscat Blending - Sue Davis Photography
Photo 1: Bill & Stephen with Fortified Casks. Photo credit - Border Mail Copyright bordermail/acm
Photo 2: Stephen and Bill with Cross Flow Filter. Photo credit - Milton Wordly
1954
Gold medal graduate from Roseworthy with first class honours in oenology
1958
Returns to Rutherglen to run the family business on the death of his grandfather. Takes over the carefully tends and nurtures the ancient solero systems
1962
Commenced wine judging at all major and many regional wine shows
1989
Special Liqueur Tokay-Winner at Sydney International Smallmakers Wine Show Awards for Muscat and Tokays at International Wine Challenge, London
1992
Proclaimed Victorian Legend at the Melbourne Wine and Food Festival
1994
After judging for the Royal Melbourne Wine Show for 21 years, where in 1994 he was presented with the Presidents Medal and made a life member of Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria and presented with the President’s Medal
Listen to Bill Chambers short Interview here Melbourne Royal
1997
Distinguished Service Award by the Victorian Wine Industry
1998
Received a citation as ‘The least likely winemaker to promote himself and his wines”
1998
The Victorian Wine Industry Association honoured him with a Distinguished Service Award.
2000
Proclaimed Legend by the Winemakers of Rutherglen
2001
100/100 scores awarded to the Rare Muscat and Rare Tokay by American wine critic Robert Parker Jr - only the 11th time perfect scores awarded
Retired as Chairman of Judges, Melbourne Wine Show after 21 years and after judging throughout Australia for more than 50 years
Retired from judging at Rutherglen Wine Show and honoured by Rutherglen Show Society
2004
Awarded OAM for service to the wine industry and wine judging on the Australia Day honours list
Interview with Rob Linn courtesy of the
State Library of South Australia
Click Here to listen
William “Bill” Chambers
Standing amongst 100 plus year old Muscat Vines. Planted between 1901 & 1908
Photo: Ann Killeen Photography Rutherglen
Rutherglen Wine Bottle
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