In 1979, a young couple purchased a rundown vineyard in the heart of Vine Vale in the Barossa. As it was a labour of love, Dennis Canute and sixth generation Barossa grape grower Christine refused to accept the tragic vine pull at the time. Instead, they decided to rejuvenate the old Shiraz and Grenache grandfather vines.

However, the now-famous Rusden name was only born in 1987 when they rejected having to supply their fruit to large companies that paid a pittance. As a disciple of Rockford’s Robert O’Callaghan, next-generation grower/winemaker Christian Canute is incredibly proud of this unique vineyard and makes sure its personality speaks clearly through each wine that bears the Rusden label.

"On our vineyard in the seventies, 80 year old Grenache and Shiraz bush vines were pushed out to make way for mechanised grape production. At the direction of the large companies at the time, the cleared land was replanted with high yielding white varieties to fulfil demand in the bulk market. Twenty years later, out of respect and as a tribute to the hard work and wisdom of the early German pioneers who planted the bush vines, Mum, Dad and I spent many late spring months on our knees, grafting the twenty five year old vines back to their original varieties. Grenache was traditionally planted to make fortified but these days I like to use it in this age-old blend of Grenache and Shiraz." Christian Canute - Owner/Winemaker

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