Heathcote Wineries

The Trovatello family runs Kyneton Olive Oil, a major grower and processor of olives in Barfold, just south of Redesdale. In 2005 they decided to develop a vineyard. “We saw this as complementing our existing estate establishments in olive oil production and stud cattle breeding,” says Sam Trovatello. Sam and Alvio are the sons of … Read More

Andrew Pattison and Heather McCormack have trouble deciding what to write when they fill in the small space allocated to ‘Occupation’ on forms of all sorts.  Andrew’s complete entry should include winemaker, music festival director, music promoter, tour manager, event promoter, and writer.  And that’s really only half his story.  Heather’s entry would include painter, … Read More

Sergio Carlei, first generation boutique winemaker, grew up in an Italian household, where wine drinking is part of the culture, part of the staple diet. Each year, Sergio would accompany his Calabrian grandfather, known as Nonno Sam, into his home, or ‘cantina’, for the annual ritual of making home grown wine. “My Italian heritage accounts … Read More

Helen and Greg Miles started looking for a retirement property in 1993.  “We had a very clear idea of what we were seeking,” says Helen.  “We wanted a property with splendid views, undulating hills, mature trees, and access to water.  We were seeking a nice place to retire to, and a good place for all … Read More

In 2001 Rosanne and Richie Condie established their first six acre shiraz vineyard in Lewis Road, fifteen kilometres north of Heathcote.  They have subsequently added five acres of sangiovese and two acres of viognier at the same location.  In 2010 they purchased a four acre vineyard that had been planted in 1990, previously known as … Read More

A sign on the gate of the Conforti Estate Vineyard, on the Burke & Wills Track near Mia Mia, states that it is the home of the grapes used in Occam’s Razor Shiraz.  Occam’s Razor is the label of Emily Laughton, daughter of Ron and Elva Laughton of Jasper Hill fame. Mellissa and Andrew Conforti … Read More

Winemakers of the Heathcote region come from vastly different backgrounds, and express their passion for winemaking in different ways.  Brian Spencer’s philosophy is embodied in his setting up the Shiraz Republic to operate alongside his Cornella Ridge vineyard. Both his father and grandfather were farriers.  His father was also a blacksmith with a dairy farm.  … Read More

Andreas Greiving grew up in Germany.  He was considered to have ‘green hands,’ what Australians call ‘green thumbs.’ He is now a Heathcote winemaker, bistro owner and B & B provider.  “Where I grew up in Germany,” he says, “it was an agricultural area with no vineyards within two hundred kilometres.  As a kid, I … Read More