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Tribute to David Slingsby-Smith

Published:  31 August, 2010

A tribute:
Always just Slingers - David Slingsby-Smith RIP.

A tribute: 
Always just Slingers - David Slingsby-Smith RIP.

It was a very sad day when we lost our good mate and terrific winemaker David Slingsby-Smith. Referred to always as Slingers, he lived for friends, sport, wine and travel and of course his wife, Meaghan and his beaut kids, Michelle and Christopher.

For us, two things come to mind. The home-made sandwiches and a thermos full of Estate Pinot that he'd take to the MCG for a game of football and the cheeky comment he'd offer as advice 'dont let the bastards rip you off'.

Everyone will have their own memory of this great character. Check out the facebook tributes (David "Slingers" Slingsby-Smith). Lots of comments on the mischief, the mannerisms and the good times, but none really give an idea of the bloke until you met him.

Slingers lived and breathed De Bortoli. We are sure Meggs felt he was married to someone over here at times. Always prepared to do the nitty-gritty stuff; Baumes, ferments, tasting, lab stuff, barrel checks, growers. He made an art form out of doing a deal......and of course giving everyone a hard time along the way to make sure that it all went right.

We will miss you Slingers. You lived a non-complicated but extremely rich life. You really did leave no stone unturned. You travelled across the 5 continents. You managed always to secure a ticket to this or that, sitting in the owners box at an ice hockey game, travelling to Calcutta for the cricket. We are still amazed how Calcutta is on the way to a wine tasting in New York!

Like so many of your friends, colleagues and family, we were proud to share so many good times with you and we will think of you always.

Good innings matey,

Steve and Leanne Webber

A brief bio..
David Slingsby-Smith has been involved in the Australian wine industry for more than 30 years.

He began his career as a laboratory assistant at Penfold's Wines then went on to study Oenology at Roseworthy completing his degree in 1983.

He continued to work for Penfold's and eventually was appointed Senior Red Winemaker. He was part of the team that made the 1990 Grange, a career highlight at that time.

David commenced with De Bortoli in 1992 and been part of the winemaking revolution over the last 10 years. He has mentored some of the finest young winemaking talent in the Australian wine industry.

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