Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/435

 Messrs. T. G. H. Biiring and C. A. Sobels ADKLAIDE AND VICINITY 409 he went " u]i country," and was for nearly nine years engaged as a storekeeper. He next spent three years at the distillery of Mr. Benno Seppelt at Seppeltsfield. The nine succeeding years were occupied by him in storekeeping on his own account at Friedrichswalde, after which he decided to remove to Adelaide. In 1879 he opened a store in Pirie Street; and at the same time received the sole agency for the Spring Vale wines, which were then being manufactured by Mr. C. A. Sobels for Mr. J. M. Richman, owner of the estate, and a brother-in-law of the late Sir Walter W. Hughes. In the year 1890 Mr. Biiring and Mr. Sobels joined forces and purchased the Spring Vale vineyard and plant, and since that time have worked it in conjunction. Mr. Biiring was President of the Winegrowers' Association in 1896, and has been a member of the Council of that body for many years. Charles August Sobels was born at Ouedlinburg, Hanover, in 1S38, and came to South Australia with his parents in 1848. His father was a practical winemaker, having studied the industry on the Continent. Mr. Sob(ls, sen., was the first to start winemaking in the Tanunda district, and carried on business there for a number of years. At his death, in October, 1863, he was succeeded by his son, Mr. C. A. Sobels, who from his boyhood had acquired a thorough knowledge of wines and vine culture, and is acknowledged to be one of the most e.xpert winemakers in Australia. In 1868 he was con- nected with Mr. Richman, acting as winemaker for that gentleman. Mr. Biiring has charge of the com- mercial department of the firm, whilst Mr. Sobels superintends the manufacturing branch. The vineyard lies i.6oo feet above sea level (an altitude favorable to the production of light wines), and contains 1 20 acres of full-bearing vines. The stock of grapes is supplemented by purchases from surrounding growers. The firm of Biiring & Sobels has been very successful in prize- taking, having carried off honors at London, Bordeaux, Paris, Philadelphia, and at the Adelaide International Jubilee Exhibition. They have established a promising export trade with England and the Continent. They have perhaps gained most fame for their Old Port. Madeira? Claret, Quellthaler, Hock, and Reisling wines, which won the highest encomiums from connoisseurs. Mr. Sobels is a Justice of the Peace. uj. Hammer & Co., Photo MR. C. A .SOBKI.S