Dave Fletcher: Australian winemaker making a splash in Italy
Dave Fletcher is the owner and winemaker at Fletcher Wines, based in the picturesque, world-class wine region of Langhe, Italy. Over the course of his career, what began as a passion for Nebbiolo has grown into a portfolio of ten wines produced from twelve vineyard sites, including one in Australia.
Dave began studying civil engineering at the University of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ. The science involved was a drawcard, but he found that having physical and outdoor elements in a career felt increasingly important to him. Winemaking turned out to be the perfect fit.
“Having one of the top wine schools in the world at my doorstep made it a very easy decision, so I transferred as soon as I could. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else now.â€
With his wines now distributed in 21 countries around the world, Dave says the best thing about his career is “the diversity of the work. One day I could be in the vineyards pruning and the next day in New York pouring wine for a sommelier in a 3-star Michelin restaurant. It’s a wonderful dichotomy of work life and I think very unique to the winemaking industry.â€
Dave has fond memories of his time completing a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Oenology) in ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ, which set him on his path: living among the vines in Italy with his family, growing grapes in organic and regenerative vineyards, and crafting small-batch, spontaneous fermentation wines in the old train station of Barbaresco.
Can you tell us about your career highlights to date?Ìý
I would say starting my own business and finally working for myself is high on the list, but in reality, the most life-changing highlight was being offered the job as head winemaker at Ceretto Winery in Italy. It’s one of the most famous Italian Wineries in the world, with a long history, very family-focused, and producing very expensive Barolo and Barbaresco wines. They recognised the potential in me, and it led to an incredible 12-year collaboration (to date) that continues today with me as a consultant to their winemaking team. It really shines a light on the high level of winemaking education coming out of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ University, and the Australian industry’s high training standards, for them to have recognised an Aussie to take on that important role, as opposed to a local!
What challenges have you overcome in your career to date?
Well, apart from learning a new language for work, the biggest one was building a winery business on a low budget in one of the most expensive wine regions of the world. I was fortunate to have chosen international business marketing and development as an elective during my degree. It’s helped me build my business, where I’m able to run all facets of it. There are constant cycles in the market and daily problems with grape growing, but having a good grounding has helped maintain stability and continue my business’ growth.