McIvor Estate has been producing great vinous things since 1997, and owners Gary and Cynthia Harbor have modelled their place on an Italian mixed farm, paying homage to Cynthia’s Italian heritage. The property yields award-winning wines, an olive grove producing oils and fruit, and a small herd of Murray Grey breeding cows to keep an eye on things.

The true story of the man McIvor remains a mystery. Surveyor? Bushie? Station Overseer? Local pioneer? Whatever the legend, his notoriety named a region, upon which McIvor Estate now thrives. Located in the coveted south end of Heathcote, Victoria, the vines nestle in the sought-after granitic soil amongst dramatic scenery of large granite boulders, majestic rolling hills and imposing gullies that are framed by the Great Dividing Range. Picture-perfect. Owners Gary and Cynthia Harbor have paid close attention to the region’s slightly cooler temperate and have planted varietals that prosper under such conditions. There’s 5.5ha under vine with a north-south aspect, planted to Marsanne, Roussane, cabernet sauvignon, Merlot, as well as Italian varietals Sangiovese and Nebbiolo, as well as shiraz, for which the region is most acclaimed. The flagship varietal, shiraz, was awarded the prestigious Premier's Gold Trophy at the 2007 Royal Melbourne Wine Show for the 2005 McIvor Estate Shiraz. The cellar door overlooks the vineyard and olive grove and is just an hour from Melbourne's CBD and 40 minutes from Melbourne airport. It is also located amongst some other fantastic Heathcote wine producers – so make a day of it! On the weekends, public holidays and by appointment, McIvor Estate's cellar doors are flung open and the outdoor wood-fired oven gets a workout with home-style pizzas. On special occasions, the oven is worked to maximum effect, with wet dishes and wood-fire baked bread. To work off all that grazing before heading back to the City, the bocce court should to the trick. McIvor Estate can also cater for small groups who wish to enjoy the magnificent views of the property and the boutique cellar door experience. T: 03 5433 5266 E: info [at] mcivorestate [dot] com [dot] au W: www.mcivorestate.com.au Open: weekends and public holidays, 10am to 5pm, or by appointment. Recent Award - In May 2010 we won the Winewise Championship Shiraz Medallion with our 2006 Heathcote Shiraz.The
Winewise Championship is an exciting new initiative designed to
showcase the benchmark wines of Australia and McIvor Estate has taken
out the top accolade in the Shiraz class. The best wines from the 2009
National Wine Show of Australia and the 2009 Winewise Small Vigneron
Awards were judged against the best from the major Australian regional
wine shows during the 2009 show circuit. The wines were assessed in
small groups of no more than seven and ranked in order of preference by
the judging panel comprised of four of the regular Winewise panel and
experienced show judges – Lester Jesberg, Debbie Pearce, Len Sorbello
and Phil Trickett – and two of the most respected senior judges from
within the wine industry – Tom Carson (Chairman of the National Wine
Show) and Tim Kirk (Winemaker, Clonakilla).