Kevin De Bortoli

Company Viticulturist Bilbul

Kevin De Bortoli is responsible for the family vineyards which surround the original De Bortoli Winery and Head Office in Bilbul.

After finishing school, Kevin commenced work at the family winery, learning operations from the vineyard to the crusher. He studied at Charles Sturt University, attaining a Diploma in Viticulture.

Grapegrowing is Kevin's passion, 'We’re improving wine quality through our management, by the varieties we plant and the crop levels we expect from them, with the view to handing on healthy and productive land to future generations.'

Kevin has an innovative approach and is always looking for ways to improve quality and productivity in the vineyard using environmentally sustainable practices. The family has long believed that the Riverina region is capable of growing a wider range of varieties than traditionally planted, while achieving quality fruit. Kevin has been instrumental in diversifying the De Bortoli portfolio through the introduction of new varieties appropriate to the region such as Verdelho, Petit Verdot and Durif - also known as Petite Sirah.

'The near future lies in the mainstream varieties but over time we are going to make an important contribution with Durif and Petit Verdot.' Kevin says.

Kevin has enjoyed overseeing huge improvements in the quality of mainstream varieties like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz in recent years, proving the region can effectively scale back production and produce lower yielding, higher quality crops.

Implementing environmentally sustainable practices has been a key role, in particular efficient water usage. Engaging the services of a number of leading companies in the field, Kevin has developed a 'world’s best' biological pre-treatment system for wastewater at the Bilbul site.

He has adopted Integrated Pest Management in the vineyard, minimising the use of chemicals, limiting to targeted sprays that allow non-destructive wildlife to flourish. In the quest to improve farm productivity and promote a workable and environmental practice, Kevin is looking closely at soil nutrition. His long term objective is to improve grape quality and increase productivity while making the plants work for themselves, reducing the need for chemical sprays.

Kevin is married to Jennifer and they have three children.