The Scherer brothers have taken their love of the land to the bottom of the world to produce wine in Tasmania and sell it in Idaho.
The Scherers have made Ketchum their home since the early 1970s. Brothers John and Tony started the Ketchum Farm, whose sign hangs in Atkinsons' Market in Ketchum. In addition, John's son, Jeremy, also works in the business.
The Scherer family history of growing produce began in Southern California. Eventually, the business found its way to Sun Valley and as far as Tasmania, Australia. Tony bought land in Tasmania in 1996 and planted vines in 1998. His property, which is part of Frogmore Creek, an 800-acre parcel of land, supports a vineyard, which produces some of the best sparkling wine in Australia as well as riesling, pinot noir and sauvignon blanc varietals.
"It's an interesting place where tourists come to fly fish, sail and do lots of water sports," Tony said. "Lots of Australians winter in Tasmania. There are four seasons, and it's excellent for wine production."
Frogmore Creek also produces wine under the 42 Degrees South and Storm Bay labels. As director and co-owner of Frogmore Creek, Tony has implemented sustainable practices throughout the vineyard to ensure the health of the land.
"There is a connection to the land in Tasmania, and it's European in that there are stores for everything, not just one shop for everything," Tony said. "I think Frogmore Creek's wine fits the climate and quality of food in the region, which includes game. It's very similar to Idaho."
Tony said Frogmore Creek is the fourth biggest vineyard on an island with many small vineyards, and the vintage variations are different every year. He said that's one of the appeals to growing in Tasmania.
With such similarities to Idaho, the Scherers have found Frogmore Creek wines to be growing more popular in the region, especially with local foods.
"Tasmania is known to have the best sparkling wine in the Southern Hemisphere," Tony said. "Ours as a premium end and it's a non-vintage."
Frogmore Creek wines can be found at all Atkinsons' markets and the Sun Valley Wine Co.
"It's fun to come back to Sun Valley and share the wine," Tony said.
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com
From left, Jeremy Scherer, John Scherer, Tony Scherer, Felix Gonzalez and Rex Allen present Tasmanian wine in Ketchum. Photo by Willy Cook
