A decade of dedication to winemaking

Local business Mr Barval Fine Wines is celebrating ten years since its first vintage with a special vintage-themed celebration at the winery on November 30.

First established in the corner of a shared winery space by husband and wife duo Robert and Kellie Gherardi, Mr Barval has evolved and grown over the decade, now employing five staff members, several of whom are long term team members.

Operating out of their own winery and cellar door on Caves Road south of Margaret River, 2022 saw the Gherardis purchase the 100 acre property on which they had been leasing facilities for the past eight years.

Rob Gherardi said his philosophy had remained steadfast as the business developed, with a focus simply on “making really good wine”.

“My approach to winemaking and viticulture hasn’t changed – I still use old-world methodology,” he said.

“We are just now able to reinvest the profits back into better equipment and facilities, and to give the wines more time in bottle and in the cellar before release – allowing them the treatment they deserve instead of rushing them out the door,” he said.

A devoted customer base from around Australia and overseas means guests regularly return to the winery, joining the Gherardis at special events and celebrating milestones with the team.

“Our customers have become part of the family,” Kellie said.

“We have people who’ll come and help us plant vines, pick grapes, bottle wine; followed by a shared meal and a few glasses of wine at the family table of course, in true Italian style.”

According to Kellie, most customers discover Mr Barval through word of mouth; either from reviews they’ve read online, or recommendations from friends.

“It’s been a genuinely organic brand story – we’ve never gone hard on the marketing tactics,” she said.

“We let the wines speak for themselves, and advocacy has been key to our success; not just from Margaret River locals, but from repeat guests and our loyal wine club members.

“It’s been a journey – but as a small, family-run business, we chased a dream and we’re so proud of what we’ve achieved these past 10 years,” Kellie said.

The winery sells out of wine each year, and Rob returns annually to the north of Italy where he honed his craft, to further his knowledge and reconnect with industry associates who have become lifelong friends.

It was in Piedmont in northern Italy where Rob learned the art of making the bold Italian varietal Nebbiolo, which he describes as “noble… but super interesting and expressive”.

“We’re not trying to recreate Barolo, but we make a Margaret River version that holds true to the way it’s made in Italy,” he said.

To celebrate their 10th anniversary, Mr Barval is opening a new wine each day at the cellar door from their limited personal collection of museum stock.

Rob will also host a series of exclusive immersive museum tastings of Mr Barval back vintages on the weekend of November 16-17, in the lead up to the anniversary event on Saturday, November 30, where around 200 people are expected to join in the celebrations.

The party will be retro-themed to tie in with the concept of vintage, and will feature food from local culinary experts Cooked Digs. Transport will also be available.

Tickets for the anniversary celebration are available online until sold out, visit mrbarval.com for more.