Dennis was born in Tanunda, South Australia on 20th November 1929, the son of Carl and Ida Reimann. He spent his early life on a mixed farm at Keyneton until 1940 when his widowed father moved to Angaston.
His secondary education at Nuriootpa High School was supplemented by home study and in subsequent years he was accepted as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries and Administrators, the Australian Society of Accountants and the Taxation Institute of Australia.
On 8th November 1952 he married Gwenda Hertha Klemm, daughter of Mr and Mrs Theo Klemm of Truro. They have two sons and a daughter.
Originally with the late John Dallwitz, Land, Estate Agent in Angaston for 11 years he specialised in taxation work. In 1956 he joined Yalumba as an Assistant Accountant and became enthusiastically involved in the wine industry. In 1971 was appointed Secretary of S Smith & Son Pty Ltd. He was appointed Director of S Smith & Son Pty Ltd and Associate Companies on 29th July 1971. Appointed General Manager on 1st April 1980.
Community Activities
- President of the Barossa Winemaker Association, 1980
- Had been an Executive Member since the formation of the Association including many years as a Treasurer and Secretary.
- Member of the Barossa Valley Vintage Festival Executive, 1976-1980
- Chairman of the Art Exhibition for the Festival, 1976-1980
- Has acted on several special purpose sub-Committees for the Australian Wine & Brandy Producers' Association and also the Australian Wine Board.
