1926 – 2022
FRANCIS d’ARENBERG (d’ARRY) OSBORN OAM
1926 – 2022
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of the d’Arenberg patriarch, Francis d’Arenberg Osborn – better known as d’Arry, at the age of 95.
d’Arry was much loved by family, friends and wine lovers the world over as a great raconteur, regaling all with humorous stories gathered over a lifetime.
Third generation vigneron d’Arry Osborn was a true statesman of Australian wine. He was born on the McLaren Vale property in South Australia on December 27, 1926 and started working in his family winery at the tender age of 16, at a time when Clydesdale horses did the work of a tractor and kerosene powered the motors and pumps.
With no winemaking education, d’Arry learned his trade on the job through trial, error and sourcing tips from neighbors. Over his lifetime d’Arry oversaw more than 70 consecutive vintages at d’Arenberg. With the introduction of the famous ‘red stripe’ in 1959, d’Arry took d’Arenberg from bulk wine production to an internationally recognized wine brand. From these simple beginnings, d’Arry received many accolades throughout his lifetime including Australia’s highest honor “Medal of the Order of Australia” from Queen Elizabeth in 2004 for his contribution to the wine industry and to the McLaren Vale region.
d’Arenberg has been a cornerstone of the Old Bridge Cellars portfolio since our inception in 1993. More importantly, he was our friend with whom we shared many meals, stories and laughter. A trip to McLaren Vale will be incomplete without seeing d’Arry riding the lawn mower, telling a fishing story or affectionately needling his son, Chester. While he may not be there, his legacy and life’s work is apparent everywhere you look, with the torch being passed to the 4th Generation. He will be missed but always remembered.
d’Arry is survived by his two children, Chester and Jacki Osborn and his three grandchildren Alicia, Ruby and Mia Osborn.
We will raise a glass of ‘d’Arry’s Original’ to honor this great man who was a real “Original”.
- more on d’Arenberg history, winery and extensive range of over 30 labels >>>
- find d’Arenberg wines available in the US from Old Bridge Cellars >>>
- Link to the Australian winery’s website >>>
