The following wineries have tasting and sales, and some have cellar doors open regularly. As most are small wineries, and sell out of wine early, it may be a good idea to ring prior to your visit. Many wines are also available from Cellar & Store located at High Street Heathcote, the IGA Supermarket Heathcote (in High Street) or from Emeu Inn also in High Street.
The discovery of gold in 1868 at Spring Creek – later to be known as Graytown – was the impetus for the great activity in this area between Heathcote and Nagambie. Within two years the population had soared to 20,000 miners and a township had developed. However within several years the gold resources had been depleted and the area began a slow decline. Meanwhile Battista Governa arrived in Nagambie in the 1870’s from northern Italy, (and as often occurred the name became altered) - Baptista soon began plying his trade as a cobbler, later to become the owner of a wine saloon, as well as a significant businessman in the timber industry in the region stretching to Heathcote. With an interest in the “fruit of the vine” he purchased a property adjacent to Major’s Creek at Graytown and in 1891 received a bounty from the government of the day to plant vines. As well as the vineyard he built a two level winery, which also has been in use for over a century. This building will in future, after some restoration , return to be an important part of the “Baptista” story.Located on fertile well-drained alluvial loam soils underlaid by ironstone gravels has meant that these vines have been able to flourish and produce continually since planting. With a relatively shallow water table and being on grafted vine stock ensures that even in warm dry summer conditions the vines are not at risk physiologically and continue to ripen fruit of the finest flavour and balance. Because of these benign conditions the vineyard is managed along organic guidelines with attention focussed on ultimate quality. Harvest occurs in mid April to early May with the fruit being hand picked at optimum grape sugars, allowing the maximising of flavour and grape tannins. The style has been determined primarily by the fruit produced and has evolved with the experience of the vintages since 1988. The aim is to fully reflect the ripe fruit of intense flavour and mouth feel garnered from these ancient vines, and then with minimal winemaking influence, with the exception of very fine oak, produce wine of subtle concentration, balance and finesse, length of palate structure and complexity. Careful vinification using traditional methods, but with the benefits of technology, enables the production of wines of classic status. These wines will reward careful cellaring and the structure ensures that longevity with maturation is a certainty. David Traeger began his working life in the Australian wine industry in 1974 and established his own wine business in 1986, being the culmination of a desire that grew while working as a winemaker for both major and smaller wine companies. As a small independent winemaker, his aim is to produce limited volumes of elegant and distinctive wines, working with grapes from vineyards that attain the finest of fruit character. As such he began sourcing fruit from the Graytown vineyard in 1988 and was able to purchase the property in 1993. Several years of rejuvenation activities followed until the first significant quantity of fruit of the standard desired was harvested in 1997. www.baptista.com.au
Barfold Estate is located in the SW corner of the Heathcote region and is the most southern in the region. Visit us first if you are journeying up from Melbourne. Craig and Sandra Aitken make hand crafted estate grown wines on their rustic farm, located midway between Heathcote and Kyneton. Fruit from vines managed to low yields, is hand plunged in small fermenters to produce wines of intense colours and flavours. Established in 1998, the vineyard is planted to shiraz and a small quantity of cabernet sauvignon. A further planting of viognier is also planned. Their first release was Barfold Estate 2002 Heathcote Shiraz which won three medals including Gold at the Ballarat Wine Show. Their 2003 and 2004 shiraz wines have been rated at 93 points in James Haliday's Wine Companion and the vineyard/winery has achieved 4 ½ star rating. Wines available for purchase and tasting: 2005 Barfold Estate - Heathcote Shiraz 2006 Barfold Estate - Heathcote Sparkling Shiraz 2005 Barfold Estate - Heathcote Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Barfold Estate - Chardonnay (sold out) 2007 Barfold Estate - Heathcote Viognier
Viticulturalist: Sandra Aitken Winemaker: Craig Aitken Cellar door tastings and sales - open 7 days 10am-6pm 57 School Rd, Barfold 3444 Ph1/Fx 03-5423-4225, Ph2 03-5423-4244, E-mail: sales@barfoldestate.com.au Web: www.barfoldestate.com.au (website coming soon)
Barfold Estate can be found on the Taste of Gold "Coliban Bridge Cabernet and Shiraz Trail", " and the "Heathcote Wineries" brochures.
Named after the original pastoral lease, the property is situated 20 kms north of Heathcote. The rich red earth of Cambrian Clay loam runs on a narrow range which incorporates Mt Camel and Mt Pleasant, and coupled with the idyllic climate, we produce big, fruity, robust wines from our low yielding dry land vineyards.
Cellar door tastings and sales - Open 10am-5pm most days (Best to ring first) 390 Toolleen-Cornella Rd,Toolleen, 3551 Ph: 5433 6376 or 0412-321-688 E-mail Address: sales@barnadownrun.com.au Web: www.barnadownrun.com.au
Our mission is to form long-term stategic parnerships with winemakers to enhance the Heathcote region’s brand of excellence. We have approximately 300 acres under vine with a vision of reaching 1000 acres in two locations by 2010. We have the highest quality management and viticultural practices. We grow premium quality fruit to specific winemaker specifications, including variety, clone, yield, baume and colour.
The vineyard is set amongst the picturesque rolling hills of the Coliban River valley, at the south-west corner of the Heathcote wine region. The site was carefully chosen for its volcanic soil and climate, which is ideal for fully ripening fruit to produce elegant wines of intense colour, flavour and aroma. Established in 1997 with four hectares under vine, the plantings include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz. All wines are estate grown, produced and bottled using traditional methods. The first release was the 2001 Cabernet Merlot which received several bronze medals. The 2002 Cabernet Merlot was awarded a gold medal and the Frangos & Frangos Trophy for “The best Cabernet or Cabernet blend” at the 2003 Daylesford Wine Show. The Coliban Valley 2004 Shiraz was awarded a gold medal and the trophy for the “best wine in the show” amongst a line up of 70 local wines judged by John Ellis at the Kyneton Show. 5-star rating - James Halliday's 2007 Australian Wine Companion. Wines from 2004 vintage including Merlot, Cabernet sauvignon & Cabernet Merlot are currently available on mail order or at cellar door.
Cellar door: Open weekends from 10 am to 5pm Address: Metcalfe – Redesdale Rd, Metcalfe 3448(4km north of Metcalfe) Phone: 0417 312 098 Fax: (03) 9813 3895 E-mail: coliban@bigpond.net.au
The vineyard is part of the Coliban Bridge Cabernet and Shiraz Trail brochure. Viticulturalist: Greg Miles Winemaker: Helen Miles
Dead Horse Hill vineyard was established in 1994 and is part of a family owned sheep property at Toolleen. Four hectares of low yielding shiraz vines are grown without irrigation on red soils adjacent to the Mt Camel Range. The Dead Horse Hill shiraz is a medium bodied style wine with good palate length, peppery characters and lifted aromatic qualities. The shiraz is produced using traditional winemaking principles and is matured for 18-20 months in French oak.
Contact details:Jencie McRobert & Russell Pretty Dead Horse Hill Pty. Ltd. Tel/Fax (03) 9578-4962 (office). Tel. (03) 5433-6214 (vineyard) 40 Wheeler St Myola East Rd ORMOND 3204 Vic TOOLLEEN 3551 Vic E-mail: deadhorsehill@bigpond.com Retail distribution: Mail Order & Newmarket Cellars (Flemington), Emeu Inn (Heathcote).
Domaines Tatiarra Limited is an unlisted public company with a small shareholder base of wine enthusiasts whose vision is to produce an extraordinary Australian Shiraz. There is no apology for Tatiarra setting high standards and being ambitious in its production of Shiraz, after all, Heathcote has the ideal terroir to achieve such excellence.
The property consists of 143 acres (59.6 Ha) of Cambrian earth, situated on the Western slopes of Mount Camel. The site had a gently northerly slope and has access to bore water. The vineyard was established in 1995 by Bill Hepburn and originally called Lynburn. Hepburn planted 10 acres of Shiraz vines (PD23) and nurtured his vines to maturity. Hepburn did not develop a label, but chose to sell his fruit to local winemakers. The vineyard was purchased in 2001 by Tatiarra, with the view of expanding operations over a 10 year period, producing wine for the premium Australian and export market.
Established 1994, Downing Estate produces 100% Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Bob and Joy Downing are available for cellar door sales and tastings by appointment.
Eppalock Ridge is the pioneer winery of the Redesdale District, established in 1979. This winery are makers of beautiful rich red wines only, including a Shiraz as well as a Cabernet Merlot blend.
If you wish to visit Eppalock Ridge cellar door sales – please call (03) 5443-7841 to make an appointment.
Flynns Wines & Heathcotean Bistro (5 out of 5 star winery rating by James Halliday)
Flynns Wines Heathcote Greg & Natala Flynn established Flynns Wines with a focus to make individual and premium wines that reflect our vineyard, the vintage season and Heathcote regionality.
Visit the winemakers at cellar door which is located in the winery and taste wines such as our MC Shiraz (Multi Clone), Sangiovese, Cabernet Merlot, Verdelho, Viognier and Shiraz Viognier. All are made in small quantities using traditional techniques.
Heathcotean Bistro
To further compliment your experience have lunch or afternoon tea at our Heathcotean Bistro attached to Flynns Wines cellar door.
Enjoy a menu created by Natala Flynn from local and home grown ingredients matched to a wine list including Flynns Wines and other local, domestic and international wines. The Bistro and courtyard make use of the views overlooking the vineyard, Mt Ida & Mt Camel in the distance.
How to find us Flynns Wines cellar door & Heathcotean Bistro is located 13kms north of the Heathcote township. Take the Northern Hwy to Echuca, Lewis road is on the left with signage on the corner of Lewis Road and the Northern Hwy.
Flynns Wines & Heathcotean Bistro Flynns Wines Heathcote cellar door open Sat/Sun 11.30am to 5pm Heathcotean Bistro open for lunch & afternoon tea Sat/Sun 12 to 4pm Lewis Rd Heathcote Victoria Australia 3523 PO Box 129 Heathcote Victoria Australia 3523 Ph: (03) 5433 6297 Mob:0407 800 047 E-mail: flynnswines@bigpond.com Web: www.flynnswines.com
Lorenzo & Pamela Galli established the 260 acre Camelback vineyard in the Heathcote region in 2000. Acknowledging the region’s enviable reputation for quality in red wines, they planted predominantly Shiraz, with smaller plantings of other Mediterranean varieties such as Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Grenache and the white grape Viognier. All of this is in addition to the 100 acre vineyard, winery, cellar door, and restaurant which they had already established at Rockbank in the Sunbury wine region. Galli Estate’s commitment to quality ensures it offers outstanding wines with distinctive regional and varietal character from the proven Victorian wine regions of Heathcote and Sunbury.
Grace Devlin Wines are full bodied reds made at the Devlin Estate vineyard which is one of the most southerly vineyards in the Heathcote wine region. Most of the vines in the vineyard are over 14 years old with approx one acre of Merlot and four acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, we are currently planting 2 acres of Shiraz. Grace Devlin award winning wines are usually estate wines handpicked, basket pressed, non filtered and are made with minimum chemical intervention.
52 Siddles Rd, Redesdale Ph 5425-3101 By appointment - ring first.
Heathcote II tells the story of an uncompromising partnership and a wine that is handcrafted, intense and elegant. The grapes have been handpicked from dry grown vines and two individuals created the wine using traditional European methods. The remarkable result captures the unique flavours of the Heathcote terroir. Open on Saturdays and Sundays or by appointment.
Uniquely positioned in the main street of Heathcote, Heathcote Winery holds a surprise for many of its visitors. The Cellar Door and adjacent Art Gallery are situated in the main street of Heathcote, in a restored miners produce store built by Thomas Craven in 1854 to cater for the huge influx of gold miners seeking their fortune.
Few would then expect to find a fully functioning winery directly behind the Cellar Door!!
The winery produced its first vintage in 1983 and now specialises in the production of shiraz and viognier reflective of the Heathcote Region but distinctly Heathcote Winery. Shiraz is the cornerstone of Heathcote Winery’s premium wine production, and in late 2005 the ‘2003 Mail Coach Shiraz’ was awarded Top Gold Medal in its class at the Royal Adelaide Wine Show against 240 other wines.
Visitors to cellar door enjoy free wine tastings and a range of locally produced foods, or may simply stroll through our Art Gallery featuring exhibitions by regional artists. Our courtyard offers free BBQ facilities and is a great place to unwind with a glass of wine or your favourite coffee.
Functions can be catered for in both the Art Gallery and courtyard.
Henning Rathjen established a vineyard and winery in the 1860s on the rich Cambrian soil of the Colbianbbin range. Finlay and Darryl Rathjen have re-established the vineyard planted by their forebear and the advantages of the original site are evident in the quality of the shiraz it now produces. The cellar where Henning made his wine is a feature of the vineyard and is currently under restoration.
Visitors are welcome by appointment. Heathcote-Rochester Rd, Colbinabbin 3559. Please contact Darryl Rathjen or Eril Bassed on 5432-9266 or mob 0407-861-031. Email: fernsicht@bigpond.com.au
Established 1975 by Leigh Hunt in the heart of the Heathcote GI on fertile red soils, mainly relying on natural rainfall. Wines produced are full-bodied and complex, a Cabernet Sauvignon blend with Cabernet Franc and Merlot, a Shiraz, small quantities of Traminer and Riesling.
Cellar door sales 10am-5.30pm weekends, most public holidays and weekdays. Located a t the corner of Northern Highway and Tunnecliffs Lane, between 117 and 118 km posts. Ph/fax (03) 5433-2795 PO Box 43, Heathcote Vic 3523
For over 2 decades we have hand crafted long living wines from the noble shiraz grape, without irrigation and using organic viticulture methods. Ron, Elva and now, daughter Emily, welcome visitors to the cellars by prior arrangement, particularly in spring when our new wines are released. We only produce small quantities of wine and we can inform you of wine releases and new via our mail list - give us a call.
Drummond Lane, Heathcote. By appointment only. Ph 5433-2528
Knots Wines Lindsay Ross winemaker of the Knots range of wines is soon to release the first vintage of Heathcote wine from his Bridge Vineyard. While our new cellar door is under construction the Knots range of wines can be sourced through our mailing list. Shurans Lane, Heathcote 3523 Ph 0417-391-622 E-mail: winedrops@impulse.net.au
Established in 1998, Lake Cooper Estate produces Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sparkling Shiraz and Chardonnay. Located in the Northern end of the Heathcote Region and is renowned for its Shiraz wines and rich Cambrian soils formed from volcanic rocks 50 million years ago.
Wines produced are made from 100% fruit grown in our own vineyard. The natural style of our Lake Cooper wines, made by Peter Kelliher and manager Donald Risstrom, have rich and ripe flavours. The full body and fine tannins will ensure long lived wines while the soft, smooth velvety textured palate means the wines can be enjoyed in their youth.
Cellar Door will open on Sunday October 16th 2005
Opening times:- Saturday & Sunday and Public Holidays: 11am – 5pm Closed: Christmas Day, New Years Day, Good Friday.
De Castella is a significant name in the history of the Victorian wine industry. The brothers Hubert and Paul de Castella established “St Huberts” and “Yering” vineyards in the 1860’s. Their wines received many accolades and successes including the prize for the “exhibit of greatest merit” at the Melbourne International Exhibition of 1880-81
Inspired by his great uncle and his grandfather Louis de Castella continues the family tradition of crafting fine wine.
In 2004 Louis and Libby purchased one of Heathcote’s older vineyards . Lou is lovingly restoring this 35 year old vineyard using Bio Dynamic principles. The fruit from this vineyard is from low yielding and struggling vines which means the harvest is small but of exceptional quality
Louis de Castella Wines 2005 Shiraz is our first release and is made from premium grapes carefully selected from the Heathcote region. It is dark and complex and exhibits a rich velvety texture, well integrated berry fruit flavours, and refined French oak characters with a finish of supple but persistent tannins.
Our soon to be opened cellar door will be a distinctive building made of rendered straw bales. The release of our premium 2005 Estate Shiraz will coincide with the opening of our cellar door in late 2007.
Visitors are welcome at McIvor Creek Winery, which is open 7 days a week from 10am to 5.30pm (excl. Christmas Day). The Winery is on the Nagambie Road, south of Heathcote, 1k from the Northern Highway. Our Cellar Door Sales area is built of local stone and is constructed around a 60+ year of Red Gum tree. We have free tastings of our wines and currently have Chardonnay, Marsanne and Shiraz, all made from local Heathcote grapes. We also produce an excellent Fine Old Tawny Port and a great value bulk port. The Dalhousie range of gourmet foods is also made on the premises and is available for sale at the Cellar Door. A gas BBQ is available free of charge plus tables and chairs. We are also happy to cater for large groups and coaches.
Contact details: Peter & Robyn Turley McIvor Creek Winery, 41A Costerfield Road, Heathcote Vic 3523 PO Box 1, Heathcote Vic 3523 Ph +613 5433-4000 Fx +613 5433-3456 E-mail sales@dalhousie.com.au
McIvor Estate is located at the Southern end of the Heathcote wine region of Central Victoria. It is nestled at the base of local Tooborac Hills. The McIvor Estate vineyard and olive grove is 5km south west of the Tooborac Township down the Lancefield road and then 800m along the Tooborac-Baynton Road.
The vineyard was established in 1997 has a north south aspect and is nestled in a gently sloping valley on the property known as “The Gap”. The vineyard consists of 11acres of vines with a 2.5acre extension planned for 2003. There are a number of grape varieties: from Marsanne and Rousanne in the whites, the traditional Heathcote trademark: Shiraz, Cabernet and Merlot as well as the Italian varieties Sangiovese and the lesser known Nebbiolo.
Winery/Vineyard Addresss: 80 Tooborac- Baynton Road, Tooborac Victoria 3522 Correspondence Address: 38 Carroll Street, North Melbourne Victoria 3051 Contact Perosn: Gary Harbor Phone: 03 5433-5266 Fax: 03 5433-5266 Email: info@mcivorestate.com.au Web: www.mcivorestate.com.au
Winemaker: Adrian Munari (Munari Wines) Viticulturist: Gary Harbor Cellar Door Facilities: Open October 2003 Operating Times: Saturday 10.00am – 5.00pm Sunday 10.00am – 5.00pm Other Times by Appointment
Mia Creek is situated at 265 Wickhams Lane Glenhope some 16 Km South West of Heathcote. We currently have 2 Hectares of vines and 4 Hectares of olives under cultivation.
During the year 2003 we had our third vintage of shiraz wine and our first production of extra virgin olive oil. The wine is improving with each vintage and exhibits rich fruity flavours and peppery overtones with a full tannin finish.The oil is nutty and full flavoured and well suited to salads, garnishes and the like.
In the future we will have available Merlot and Cabernet Savignon wines and various olive products. Wines and olive oil are available for sale by appointment. Rich fruity Shiraz with peppery overtones.
The vineyard was established at Mia Mia in the southern part of the Heathcote Region of Central Victoria in 1999, and in 2002 bore the first fruits of labour for the Baumgartner family (Norbert, Pam, Nick & Chris). Our vines are low yielding and combined with our unique meso-climate, produce rich, intense & somewhat complex wines. Traditional methods are employed with wines made in small batch open fermenters and basket pressed. The wine is then matured in American & French oak barriques. So far we have received excellent recognition of the vintages released with either bronze or silver medals. At present we are making shiraz, and shiraz/cabernet sauvignon (which we call Mia Mia), and early in 2008 we will release our first sparkling shiraz. Wines available for purchase and tasting at this time are:
2003 Mia Valley Estate – Heathcote Shiraz 2004 Mia Valley Estate – Heathcote Shiraz 2004 Mia Valley Estate – MIA MIA (shiraz/cabernet sauvignon)
You will also find our wines at selected liquor stores and restaurants in Melbourne, Heathcote and Kyneton.
Mia Valley Estate Sparkling Shiraz – due to its popularity for those who have had the opportunity to taste the Sparkling we have decided to accept orders prior to its official release. 2005 Mia Valley Estate – Heathcote Shiraz due for release in 2008 2005 Mia Valley Estate – MIA MIA due for release in 2008
We are located in Daniels Lane, Mia Mia at the end of the Burke & Wills track, if traveling from Lancefield or mid-way between Heathcote & Kyneton on that road. We welcome visitors by appointment, please give us a quick call if you are passing through and wish to taste our wines.
Milvine Estate is a small, family owned, boutique vineyard located in central Heathcote, Victoria.
In 2003, after eight years of selling their grapes to local wineries they fulfilled their dream of producing their first vintage.
The grapes for their wine were hand picked and processed in the time honoured small batch method to ensure the finished wine retained the intensity of colour and complexity of flavour that is synonymous with Heathcote Shiraz.
At Mount Burrumboot Estate, we make red and white wines, made with minimal chemical intervention both in the vineyard and winery, to allow the fruit to reflect the true Mount Camel terroir. Our wines are carefully made, with handpicked fruit, basket pressing and no filtration, so that the huge Heathcote fruit of dark berries and plum, and the opulent, deep colours are preserved for your appreciation. Farmers turned winemakers, Cathy and Andrew, look forward to welcoming visitors to the cellar door for tastings and sales, where you can enjoy sampling the wines, accompanied by fine local foods, and produce in a rustic setting. Groups are welcome, and can indulge in a gourmet meal accompanied by our classic Heathcote wines - big, spicy, fruity, Shiraz, voluptuous plummy Merlot, elegant Petit Verdot, as well as flinty yet fruity Verdelho, a honeyed, apricoty Marsanne and even a delightful and delicate rose. We pride ourselves on preparing brilliantly conceived dishes from homegrown or local produce. Our wines are beautifully complemented by the Mediterranean/Middle Eastern feel for our Long Lunches. We also do evening meals.
Visiting Mount Burrumboot Estate can be a wholistic experience - the wines, like the foods, are all grown and made by us, with minimal intervention in the vineyard or the winery. In the vineyard, we follow organic practices as far as possible, carefully monitoring the vines, so that we can produce the best quality fruit possible from this fantastic soil. We have 50 acres under vine, mainly Shiraz and Merlot, but also Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Marsanne and Viognier. Each finished wine is actually the product of several differently timed picks, so that the final wines show complexity and depth. In the winery, traditional practices are followed, using the basket press, (even a bit of foot stomping at times!) Our wines require very few additions, so that the fruit evolves into wine in such a way that the final product truly expresses the vineyard terroir. We mature our wines in predominantly French barriques for 12-18 months.
We look forward to meeting visitors for tastings and sales at our cellar door, overlooking Lake Cooper, on the slopes of Mount Burrumboot. We are open most weekends and public holidays, but it may be advisable to ring first, in case we are occupied elsewhere on this busy farm. Cheers!
(Bookings only for meals). Ph 5432-9238 or 0438-329-238 3332 Heathcote-Rochester Rd, Colbinabbin Open weekends and Public Holidays,11-5pm, Weekdays by appointment. Email: info@burrumboot.com Web: www.burrumboot.com
Munari Wines produce complex, fruit driven wines that have concentration, elegance, definition and personality. 1129 Northern Hwy, Heathcote. Open 10.30-5.30pm 7 days a week. Ph 5433-3366.
Paul Osicka Wines is one fo the longest established wine producers in the Heathcote Wine Region with the original Shiraz vines planted over 45 years ago. Grown without irrigation on sandly loam soil over quartz and red ironstone gravels, the vineyard is managed according to organic principles without the use of herbicides or insecticides. The vines are hand pruned to balance the yield and the grapes are hand picked to achieve optimum fruit quality. These factors combine to produce small intensely flavoured and coloured fruit necessary to make premium wines. The principal red wine produced is Shiraz followed by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
The vineyard and winery are situated in the Heathcote wine region in central Victoria. Due to the close proximity of the Graytown Box-Ironbark State forest it is common to find all manner of native animals amongst the vines, including kangaroos, wallabies, emus, lizards and echidnas. The vineyard is non-irrigated and deliberatley kept to a low yield ensuring the berries are smaller and more intense in colour and flavour. A number of varieties are gronw including Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Merlot and Roussane, with the Shiraz vines dating back over 45 years. The soil consists of a sandy loam and gravel topsoil with a crushed quartz and red ironstone buckshot gravel underlay which makes for excellent drainage. Traditional methods are used to manage the vineyard with the grapes being carefully handpicked, and the vines painstakingly hand pruned. Conscious of their impact on the environment and wine, no herbicides or pesticides are used in the vineyard, instead organic fertilisers are used to provide the vines with nutrients.
The winemaking is also a hands on affair with Paul Osicka personally implementing each stage of the process. Extensive use is made of new oak barrels in the maturatin of the wines, and is an expensive although important part of the quality process. Cellar Door sales are 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, noon to 5 pm Sunday. However, as we regularly sell out of wine, please phone beforehand.
Redesdale Estate is a small vineyard located on a 25 hectare property on the banks of the Campaspe River. It is situated in the cooler southern part of the dry-climate GI of Heathcote, in central Victoria. The oldest vines were planted in 1982 and the vines naturally struggle in the granite and quartz ancient volcanic terrain. The Redesdale Estate label was established in 1999. The wines are estate grown only, of intense flavour, exceptional purity of variety, are hand picked and crafted with a passion for excellence. All wines are aged in new and one year old French oak barriques, and aged for a further year in the bottle prior to release. A 1000 cases of wines are produced annually, comprising - Redesdale Estate Shiraz, Redesdale Estate Cabernets (Cabernet Sauvignon/ Cabernet Franc). Redesdale Estate's wines are sold locally and overseas. The 2001 and 2002 wines have been exported in 2004 to Harvey Nichols in London and to other parts of the UK. An export order to the US is in process.
The estate also produces an extra-virgin olive oil from the grove on the estate. It is recognized amongst the top three oils made in Australia.
A luxuriously appointed self-contained two story holiday cottage is surrounded by a Mediterranean-influenced garden, which is part of (Australia’s) Open Garden Scheme. The garden’s several beautiful dry-stone walls are built from the sedimentary rock from the property.
Wine Ratings: “Australian Wine Companion 2005” – James Halliday
* Shiraz 2002 – 5-star rating, intense raspberry and blackberry fruit with fine tannins throughout, excellent mouth-feel, length and aftertaste. Rating 94/100, Drink 2017 * Cabernets 2002 – 4½ stars, luscious cassis/blackcurrant fruit carries its 14.4 degrees alcohol without any fuss at all, long and supple finish. Rating 93, Drink 2017 * Shiraz 2001 - 4½ stars, strong colour, excellent regional style, supple, round, smooth and sweet black fruits (cherry, berry); savoury tannins to close. Rating 90, Drink 2011 * Cabernets 2001- 4½ stars - A good wine, simply a notch down from the 2002. Rating 90, Drink 2015
Overall, Halliday gave Redesdale Estate a 5 star “Outstanding. Wines of the highest quality, usually with a distinguished pedigree”. 4½ star “Highly recommended. Wines of great quality, style and character, worthy of a place in any cellar”.
Owners: Peter & Suzanne Williams Winemaker: Tobias Ansted Phone: +61-3-5425-3236 Fax: +61-3-5425-3122 Email: spwilliams@redesdale.com Web: www.redesdale.com Address: Redesdale Estate, North Redesdale Rd, Redesdale, Victoria, Australia 3444 Cellar door: Weekends September to May by appointment
Established in 2003, Rupert's Ridge Estate Vineyard is situated on rolling hills in the Heathcote Wine Region (in Central Victoria), just 3 kms from the Redesdale village, on the Metcalfe-Redesdale Road. 10 acres are under vine on the carefully selected slopes of this 100 acre property.
Our wines like the other wines of the Heathcote Wine Region consistently deliver a refined and elegant example shiraz (a variety that has firmly placed Australia on the international wine-producing map).
Cellar door: By appointment only (while stocks last).
John and Chris Gillies-Williams 843 Metcalfe-Redesdale Road Redesdale, Vic 3444, Australia Phone: +61-3-5425-3297 Mobile: 0425-703-802 Fax: +61-3-5425-3297 Email: rupertsridge@bigpond.com Web: www.rupertsridge.com
Sanguine Estate is a family operated boutique vineyard and winery located on the famous 510 million year old Cambrian Earth belt in Heathcote, Central Victoria. The unique Heathcote climate and soil, combined with a viticultural philosophy of hand nurturing low yielding vines and a winemaking philosophy of small batch processing and minimalist intervention, produces wines of the finest quality and complexity. Their flagship Shiraz is a richly concentrated fruit driven wine with a savoury elegant finish consistently achieving 90+ ratings from National and International wine writers including Robert Parker Junior (USA), Stephen Tanzer (USA), James Halliday (Aust), Ralph Kyte-Powell (Aust) and Huon Hooke (Aust).
Owners: Linda and Tony Hunter Manager: Jodi Marsh (daughter) Winemakers: Mark Hunter (son), Peter Dredge and Ben Riggs (from 2005v) Cellar Door: By appointment only (while stocks last) Address: 77 Shuran's Lane Heathcote Vic 3523 Phone: 03-9646-6661 Fax: 03-9646-1746 Email: sales@sanguine-estate.com.au Web: www.sanguinewines.com.au
She-Oak Hill vineyard is an expansion of the original five acres of Shiraz vines established by Gordon Leckie Senior in 1975 and increased with a planting of Chardonnay and further Shiraz by the next generation of his family. It is situated on a narrow band of ancient Cambrian soil five kilometers north of Heathcote. Our vines are dry grown and we adhere to minimal use of chemicals. The vines are cordon pruned by hand and the grapes are harvested manually. The wine is made from fruit exclusively produced at She-Oak Hill vineyard by John Ellis at Hanging Rock Winery. We produce an elegant Chardonnay and Shiraz displaying rich varietal and regional characteristics.
We offer definitive Heathcote Varietals - Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Viognier. Crafted from premium parcels of superior fruit sourced from our vineyards established in 1994 at Tooborac and in 1997 at Colbinabbin , our wines display vibrant fruit, restrained finesse and fine texture.
St Michael's Vineyard was established in 1994 by Mick Cann on the east face of the Mt Camel range about 25 kms north of the Heathcote township. The soil is the famed deep red Cambrian clay loam considered to be ideal for the growing of premium grapes. Varieties grown are Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot for red wine and a small patch of Semillon (supplied in error) for white wine. Most of the crop is sold, but select parcels of fruit are processed on site using traditional methods of open fermentation, hand plunging of skins and basket pressing backed up by effective cooling. Premium French oak (and a little Russian for the Shiraz) is used to add complexity to the rich fruit. Oak maturation is generally for 24 months. Wines are produced in small quantities and include both straight varietals and blends that may change from year to year. A sparkling Shiraz is also produced in suitable years. While a full time cellar door cannot be maintained, if you take the trouble to call Mick Cann will make every effort to meet you and show you his wines.
Founded in 1996, the vineyard lies on the western slopes of Mt Camel 20km north of Heathcote. The magic lies in the red Cambrian clay soil formed some 500 million years ago. Starting with careful selection of the handpicked grapes, the wines receive devoted attention from a highly skilled winemaker producing wines of deep colour, elegance, finesse and length, to ensure pleasure when drinking at any stage of the wine’s development. The 2002 vintage is a wonder. 80% of this wine is exported. Principal varieties shiraz, cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Durif.
Winemaker: Dominique Portet Mail orders fax 03 5433-6397
Betelgeuse, a red supergiant star in the constellation of Orion, is the inspiration for this classic Heathcote Shiraz produced from low yielding hand pruned vines grown and hand picked at the Treehouse Vineyard just 2 km outside Heathcote town. The location and climate produce a wine with great depth of colour, concentrated fruit flavours, soft tannins and a long lingering finish. Stored in steam formed American oak barrels for 20 months, Betelgeuse will benefit from 4-6 years of further careful cellar aging. The wine is made by John Ellis at the Hanging Rock Winery.
Established in 1995. Winery open by appointment. Welcome to join mailing list. Lyn and Ian Rathjen 2769 Heathcote-Rochester Rd, Colbinabbin 3559 Ph 5432-9319 or mob 0408-178-476 Fax 03 5432-9326
