News Dirty Three Wines: All about the Dirt

Marcus Satchell and Lisa Sartori from Dirty Three Wines are passionate about dirt.

They cherish the distinct soils of their vineyards and celebrate the subtle differences they impart to their wines and honor the symbolic "home soil" that unites Gippsland’s emerging winegrowers.

Dirty Three Wines started back in 2012 as a fun side project between three mates: Stuart Gregor, Cam McKenzie, and Marcus Satchell, all connected by a love of music, mirth, good food, and wine. The original ‘dirty three’ amicably went their separate ways in 2016, with Stu and Cam going on to build the moderately successful Four Pillars Gin (tongue planted firmly in cheek). Meanwhile, Marcus threw himself into shaping vines and making wines across Gippsland.

Like the alluvial gold of the Gippsland wine industry, you’ll find Marcus’ winemaking, vine-tending, or consulting influence building up wineries across the region, including the likes of Carrajung Estate, Gippsland Wine Co, and Waratah Hills.

In 2014, Marcus’s wife and business partner Lisa Sartori joined the business. Lisa boldly stepped out of a career in banking and into the vineyard. Demonstrating skills that were wasted in balancing books, Lisa has been hands-on with everything from pruning and netting vines to driving tractors and skillfully leading a tasting. The name Dirty Three now pays homage to their three distinct single vineyard Pinot Noir’s and the differences the soil makes to the wine.

Marcus and Lisa opened Dirty Three Wines’ urban cellar door in a shed in the bustling seaside town of Inverloch in 2017. The cellar door reverberates with the hum of live music and a menu that reads like a who’s who of Gippsland food and drink… think Sailors Grave, Burra Brewing, Loch Brewery & Distillery, Trulli’s irresistible focaccias, and a selection of delicious Gippsland cheeses.

Dirty Three Wines’ cellar door offers a celebrated range: Chardonnay, Blanc de Blancs, Sparkling Shiraz, Riesling, and Rosé. But make no mistake, downright dirty and delicious Pinot Noir is the ace for these thriving South Gippsland winemakers.