Memories and Tributes from Long Time
Customers and Friends
So many memories of Bill taking you for a ride on the horse, introducing you to wine or talking about Greek Phylosophy. Everyone has a wonderful story to tell.
Thank You
This page will be added to as tributes come (and time prevails), thanks for your patience
Chiltern and Rutherglen Butchery
Our sincere condolences to you all. What a great loss to our community. Rest in peace Bill
We send our deepest sympathies to the Chambers Family at this time. Bill was such an integral part of the Rutherglen wine industry and his knowledge and experience was greatly respected. He leaves an enormous legacy which is in safe hands with the next generation. Jane, Jules and all at Campbells.
How does one describe the impact that a generous man with a soft and endearing smile, a kind nature and a chubby frame, I always wanted to hug, have on one's life.
I guess it goes all the way back to our first meeting in 1974. As a newcomer to the district, I took a girlfriend from Sydney on a tour of the local wineries. One was Chambers Rosewood. We were met by a man, sitting on a stump of timber, reading a book, covered in brown paper. His greeting was, "Help yourself, whites are in the fridge, reds are on the table, I'm just at a good part of this book. It is banned." When we came to pay for our purchases, I timidly asked what he (turned out to be Bill Chambers himself) was reading, to be told it was DH Lawrence's, Sons and Lovers.
A few years further on, it became known that I was married to the young winemaker/manager at Lindemans Corowa. Bill and his first wife Catherine came to our home for formal dinner party, as they were in those days, and so a friendship began.
When we bought our property here in Wahgunyah, Bill and Catherine were the first people to invite us, and our children, to their home for dinner. It was our favourite lamb loin chops and mashed potatoes, and while we sat around the kitchen table, Bill played tricks with me, masking wines and asking me to comment. Bill always had something nice to say. He would gently correct me, while encouraging me to stick to my assessments just so long as I could explain my reasoning.
Catherine would pop into our winery to check how I was going, and taught me to securely pack different shape bottles of wine, into a box, for safe despatching with couriers. I called it, “The Catherine Chambers School of Packing,” and I continued to teach my Staff, as they came along, how to do the same.
Bill, to help us get a start with customers, put a sign up in the grounds at Chambers Rosewood, “GO TO PFEIFFERS.” After a few queries I asked the people why they were coming in and asking to see Bill Chambers at Pfeiffer Wines? I was then told about Bill’s sign. I rang Bill, thanked him for helping us, but said he really better pull the sign down and keep his customers at Rosewood. That was when the sign was moved inside so people still got to hear about us. Such was the generosity of Bill Chambers.
We shared Bill's sorrow when Catherine sadly died from cancer leaving him with a youngish family who no longer had their Mother.
We rejoiced with Bill when Wendy came into his life and put the cheeky grin back on his face and laughter in his voice.
I feel privileged to have earlier this year, spent a morning with Bill at Rosewood, and his younger brother John, listening to recollections of their lives, growing up in a family of 7 brothers. Bill was the eldest.
I will miss Bill Chambers. I will miss his calm and quiet nature, his soft smile and his friendly and genuine personality.
Bill is now an Angel over Rutherglen, enjoying the Angel's Share of his beautiful fortified wines.
Recollections from Robyn Pfeiffer.
Adrian Swallow and I offer our sympathy to you all. So glad he was peaceful. Very grateful to Jimmy Watson's Wine Bar for introducing us to Chambers. Condolences to the Watson family and all friends of Bill. Many trips to Chambers over the past 30yrs to fill up the boot and spend time having a chat with Bill - sometimes about the book he was reading, sometimes wine, sometimes about the family…always generous with his knowledge and the additional bottle of wine! Vale Bill, may you rest in peace.
Our sympathies.
Many condolences to family and staff. We always enjoyed our chats to Bill, he was always there! He was an extraordinary man, if I recall correctly he was telling us about doing a Mediterranean cruise reading the works of Homer so he could check out the original sites! One of the great winemakers, what a legacy.
I was extremely lucky to have met Bill. It was so enriching in my life as a winemaker!THANK YOU again Bill, for sharing this expertise! I will never forget you. Rest in peace. My condolences to Wendy and the Chambers family
Rest peacefully Bill, what a wonderful life and your legacy will live on in the amazing wines you crafted. Sending condolences to all the family.
We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Bill …such a wonderful warm and welcoming man. We first met Bill in the early’80’s and have enjoyed many a chat with him when we have visited Rosewood Wines over the years.
We have vivid memories of our very first time at Rosewood in the original ‘tasting room’. There was a sign saying whites in the fridge and on a hot day reds in the fridge too. Help yourself! It was great to see on our last visit that this area has been preserved.
Our condolences to all the family including the Rosewood family. Bill has left an outstanding legacy for future generations. Despite the heat we will have a toast with Rosewood muscat tonight ... one we always refer to as the “Bill”. Here’s to Bill.
My condolences to Bills family, friends and work mates. Many memories of visiting the winery and growing up in Rutherglen
Thinking of you Kay, Stephen and Allison. Many amazing cellar memories and more to cherish with your father.
Sincere condolences to all the Chambers family and employees.
Rest in peace Bill, will always have great memories of you.
You always made me feel at peace in your company, more than any other person I have ever met.
Condolences to Wendy, Kay, Alison and Stephen.
So so sad our sincere condolence’s to the family the Chambers team family
We have truly enjoyed the times & our lovely warm hearted chats especially the last few working Sundays
Even when he instructed us to run over his team of dogs while trying to exit our car never forget my wife face getting agree with Bill & I laughing
RIP Bill & thanks for your Legacy with the best winery in the State/Country
I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. Bill certainly was a character. He picked myself and 3 others up one tastes weekend. We had gotten the bus to stop on the corner outside from Moodemere. I jumped in the front of his ute with him and my offsiders sat in the back. Good thing old Peter Policeman wasn’t around!
Great memories of a lovely man.
Very sad news! Sending my condolences to you all!
Bill is a legend, met him doing wine tastings and we loved it. Condolences to all the Chambers family
I was lucky enough to have met him, a charming gentleman and country boy
Sorry to hear this sad news and sincere condolences to Bill’s family and the team at Chambers. He could not have been more welcoming to a gang from Sydney who landed on his doorstep. He shared many hilarious stories and insights - clearly we were in the presence of a legend. Vale Bill.
My sincerest condolences to Bill’s family - one of Rutherglen’s gentlemen.
Condolences to Steve, Wendy, the family and the Chambers team. I was lucky enough to stay with Bill and Wendy whilst being a part of the Rutherglen Wine Show. The depth and breadth of knowledge he had over such a wide variety of subjects always astounded me. He was a very generous, kind and thoughtful soul.
Condolences to the Chambers family and staff
So sorry to hear this sad news, but what a peaceful way to pass. A very interesting man to talk to on some of our visits to the winery. Our deepest condolences to the family.
I’m one of the offsiders
Such a great hospitable bloke and gentleman
Great times had there with Bill
What a sad news, great memories. My deepest condolences
Oh no. Sending my condolences What a loss xx
My condolences to Bill’s family.
Bill was such a lovely man. Sorry for your loss. May he rest peacefully.
Fond memories of visiting the winery and speaking with Bill - RIP
Our thoughts and sympathies to the Chambers family. Bill was a legend who inspired everyone.
So sad. He was a generous and a very nice man. My sincere condolences
Condolences to the Chambers family and employees.
Rest In Peace Bill. Fond memories of meeting you at the winery many years ago.
Condolences to everyone x
Vale Bill. A legend as a winemaker and a true gentleman
A wonderful man RIP
Legend. RIP Bill. You'll be missed. Condolences to Steven and the extended family.
Such a lovely man. Sincere condolences to the family. He will be dearly missed
Condolences to the family and everyone at the winery.
He will be missed
Feeling sad at Bill's passing. What a wonderful man. A legend in the wine industry - will be missed
Thoughts & my condolences to Steve, Wendy & the Chamber’s family.
Bill was such a wonderful person. RIP Bill
Condolences to the Chambers Family
RIP Bill, a true legend
Very sad to hear this news. Fondest memories of chatting to Bill about wine and muscat, and leaning over the fence talking about the sheep. Everyone welcome, such a legacy and a true gentleman. My condolences to the Chambers family and extended family. RIP Bill.
Condolences to all the Chambers family..Bill was always a lovely man I'm sure he will be missed..may he rest in peace
Sad to hear this news. Condolences to all the Chambers family and employees.
Rest In Peace Mr Chambers, you're going to be sadly missed by many
Lovely man, greatly missed
RIP. Legend.
Sincere condolences to the family and all the staff
Such sad news, my thoughts are with Wendy and the entire Chambers family. RIP Bill
Rest in peace Bill. Our condolences
A true gentleman with a cheeky grin and a twinkle in his eye. He will be so missed. Thoughts with all the Chambers family and team at the winery.
Always had something special under the bar
Sad to hear of the passing of Bill.
My Sincere Condolences to the Chambers Family. R.I.P Bill
Rest in peace Sir Bill. You were a pioneer, and a wonderful man to chat with. Condolences to the family.
Oh how sad for you all
So sad such a wonderful gentleman to talk to over a wine tasting. Condolences to his families.
A legend of the wine industry with a most scientific and inquisitive mind. Always most generous with his time and hospitality on our visits to Rutherglen and conversations around the breakfast or dinner table never failed to entertain. Rest easy Uncle Bill
Love and prayers to Bill's family and friends
Rest in peace
our family have so many wonderful memories of being looked after by Bill at the Cellar Door tastings. Condolences to all the family, A true Rutherglen icon who will be much missed.. Which reminds me I need some more Chambers Muscat
All my love and condolences to you and your family and your winery family. Xxxx
Condolences to Wendy, Kay, Alison Stephen & family. I loved my chats with Bill, may he rest in peace.
So sorry to read this, condolences to all the Chambers family.
What an innings and with so much to share which he generously did to anyone. True respect and admiration of the skill of being a farmer, a family man and a friend to anybody who wandered up to the verandah for a tasting and a chat.
A true Legend of the trade.
Deepest sympathies for your loss
Very sad. Condolences to the Chambers family
So sad. RiP Bill
That’s so sad
Wishing all the family my love
He and Mum will have some great chats upstairs
Love Jo Wolff ( Catherine’s cousin)
Sadly missed RIP Bill
To my husband and I, Bill was Rutherglen. A down to earth and humble man, one of nature’s gentlemen. Vale Bill, you will be missed.
Sad to read but a very accommodating man in both pouring samples and sharing stories
Peg Riley Clare Meaney Remember the day he told us to help ourselves?
A lovely man. RIP Bill
Beautiful man, so good and generous to our family...warmest love and heartfelt condolences to Wendy and all of Bill's extended family...much love always,
Pen, Norm, Andrew and family
Sad news indeed
Condolences to all those closest
Vale Bill x
Condolences to Wendy, Kay, Alison, Stephen and the extended Chambers family on the passing of a Legend. RIP Bill.
Sad to hear. He was quite a bloke.
Sincere condolences to Steve and the rest of the family.
Mark and Tess Brown
Condolences to you all at this time
Whites in the fridge !
We remember Bill fondly RIP
I will cherish this photo from October 2016. Bill was such a humble man for someone recognised across the world as one the best in what they do. He was a gentle soul I learnt a lot from in just a few encounters over the years at his beloved winery. A visit to Chambers would never be the same. My thoughts are with the rest of the chambers family and all at the winery.
My favourite Uncle. Heart broken
Very sad news… Vale Bill
Condolences to you all xxx
I'm so sorry to hear this sad news Bill was a lovely gentleman whenever I was at chambers winery tasting your beautiful fortifieds I always had a good old chat to Bill may he rest in peace my sincere condolences to all the chambers family
Please accept my sincere condolences, a lovely man who I had the privilege to meet during his visit to Coffin Bay. My love to Aunty Wendy and the family
Very sad R.I P Bill
Many fond memories of my visits to the cellar door. One such story …..
My wife and I arrived one Sunday and as we walked in, Bill said, help yourself to the tasting, I’m heading in for lunch. We were the only ones there. We tasted our usual favorites and then waited for Bill to return before making our usual purchase including a few bottles of the superb Rare Muscat.
Bill, you were a delight to talk to and we loved listening to your stories. We enjoyed the occasional personal tour out the back and we took your advice on bacon & eggs served with your Botrytis Muscadelle.
Condolences to your family and close friends. Your legend will long live forever.
Vale Bill
So sad to hear the news of Bill's passing. But my memory of first meeting him 30 years ago in the old shed was special, when he was down the back working and yelled out for us to help ourselves. Since then, we've dropped back on a regular basis to enjoy the company and great wines from Chambers Rosewood Vineyards & Winery and the service from the team. We'll raise a glass tonight in his memory.
Condolences to Wendy and Family a true Gentleman RIP Bill
Chambers, and Bill, have been part of my life forever. As a child, we would do trips over there to refill my grandparents' sherry barrel, and buy it by the flagon for back on the farm. It was "civilised" to have a sherry each evening with dinner.
As I grew up and learnt to appreciate wine in my own right, I leaned more towards ports and muscats, plus Bill's Ambosia and Chambers great Moscato. It has also been a tradition that we would buy (well, "obtain", if Bill was serving) our church's communion wine from Chambers - nothing but the best Rosewood Tawny or Ruby for our small congregation. I will miss our chats, infrequent as they have been in recent years, but Bill was always keen to hear what was going on in our lives. We will miss him. My love and condolences to all the family.
Vale Bill.. RIP
My husband and I had many dealings with Bill and Wendy over the years who always showed us great wine generosity and hospitality. I remember Bill as always willing to share his time and expertise to us, there was no artifice/pretense with Bill. He had so many great stories to share and told them so well. As much as he is a loss to his family, he is a great loss to the wine industry, Rutherglen community and for all those who made Chambers Rosewood a must stop on every visit to the area.
Our condolences to the family.
Sending my love. As my sister jo said, Bill was a lovely man and mum and dad enjoyed Bills wine and stories, as did I. I remember staying and playing hide and seek in amongst the wines and as an adult, got to enjoy those beautiful fortified wines, which is in good hands now. Melinda
The first, and only time, I've met Bill was at one of the Rutheglen Wine Show's judges dinner back in 2015. I've been admiring Chambers wines well before knowing him, but Bill was the first person that showed me the constellations visible from Australia. As I'm from Europe, I wasn't familiar with the Southern Cross or Alpha Centauri. We were sitting next to each other in the van that was bringing us back to our accommodations, and while everyone was happily chatting with each other, Bill and I were in a deep conversation about the stars. I will cherish this memory forever. Vale, Bill. My deepest condolences Chambers Rosewood Vineyards Stephen Chambers
He was such a kind, wise, inclusive, sharp-witted man.
Sincere condolences to Wendy, Steve, Kay, Alison and Families. A true gentleman. RIP
Condolences to the family. He was such a gentle and unpretentious man, and do knowledgeable. One of a kind.
Some of my best memories of Uncle Bill are solving the problems of world politics until late into the evening around my parents dinner table in High Street. Also, it was Uncle Bill who introduced me to Benny Hill and helped me develop my "school boy" sense of humour. My Dad and Uncle Bill were very close and very naughty together. I am sure Dad, Mum, Uncle Bill and Aunty Catherine are up there with Uncle Peter and Grandma and Grandpa causing chaos - resting in peace enjoying a good armagnac.
Such sad news, Bill was such a quiet achiever, an absolute master of his craft recognised around the world for his "Chambers Rosewood wines"
Bill was such a humble, generous man that loved having a yarn about the old times, RIP Bill.
Condolences to family.
Sad news indeed but a life well lived. My condolences to the Chambers family. I loved visiting the Rosewood Winery and chatting with Bill.
Condolences to Wendy and the family. What a great man Bill was. Thanks for Comming to Ejstrup Denmark to visit us and thank you for your hospitality when we visit you in 2019.Lots off love from Tove and Torben
sad to hear bill's passing. been going to rutherglen every january for over 40 years and still remember the conversations with bill as a group of us in the 80s would buy the 25 litre containers of red, white and port to bring home and do our bottling. RIP