In 2000, my partner Jules and I stumbled upon a little property nestled in the foothills of Victoria’s High Country between the goldrush towns of Yackandandah and Beechworth. We knew instantly this was where we would create our future home. As well as a picturesque house and garden, the property featured a neglected vineyard – established sometime in the 1970s with its vines long since overgrown into rambling chaos.

With hard work and the help of some learned vignerons, we set about restoring the vineyard to its former glory, and we soon discovered the unique character of its grapes when tended to simply and naturally.

Here on our piece of earth, with all the wind, rain, hail and sunshine we receive (or as the French say, our “terroir”) we pick our grapes when they are most delicious with refreshing natural acidity. Wild indigenous fermentations, hand plunging and battonage, and only minimal sulphur additions, all combine to create a wine with a true sense of place.

Today we welcome visitors for tastings or to stay longer in our self-contained studio. A glass of Valente is waiting — we hope you enjoy.