Dave Lorentz is the owner and vigneron behind Cherry Tree Hill Wines, a family-run vineyard in Sutton Forest in the NSW Southern Highlands. Wine has been part of the Lorentz family story for generations, with Dave’s father, Gabi, growing up hearing and experiencing the traditions of his family’s vineyard in Hungary before purchasing the Cherry Tree Hill property in 1980.

Born and raised in Sydney, Dave initially built a career in hospitality after graduating from the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School. Working across restaurants and hotels helped deepen his appreciation for food and wine, and by the late 1990s he had decided to turn the family property into a serious cool-climate vineyard. In 2000, he planted the first 15 hectares of vines, beginning with Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling before expanding into varieties including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and, later, Pinot Noir.

 

Dave oversees the vineyard and is closely involved throughout the wine production process, working alongside the winemaking team at Artemis Wines. The vineyard was expanded again in 2021 and today has around 25 hectares under vine, with a strong focus on cool-climate varieties including Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Over the years, Cherry Tree Hill has built a reputation for award-winning wines. Its 2006 and 2016 Rieslings were both awarded Best Riesling in New South Wales, while the estate has also received recognition for its Chardonnay and Cabernet Merlot.

 

For Dave, the appeal remains remarkably straightforward: growing something on the family property, turning it into a wine, and being able to share the finished result with the people who visit Cherry Tree Hill.