Heathcote

The Heathcote wine region, located in central Victoria between Melbourne and Bendigo, has become world-renowned for its Shiraz. Its signature comes from the region’s unique soils — the Cambrian greenstone (ancient volcanic) soils, rich in minerals and deep red in colour, which are over 500 million years old. Combined with warm days, cool nights, and a relatively dry climate, these conditions create wines of intensity, balance, and finesse.

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Key grape varieties grown

• Shiraz

  • The region’s flagship variety, accounting for the majority of plantings.

  • Produces deeply coloured, full-bodied wines with dark berry fruit, plum, spice, and chocolate.

  • Natural acidity and fine tannins give structure and ageing potential.

  • Stylistically, Heathcote Shiraz sits between Barossa richness and Côte Rôtie elegance.

• Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Grown in smaller amounts; produces firm, structured wines with cassis and herbal notes.

• Sangiovese

  • One of the most successful Italian varieties in Heathcote.

  • Shows bright cherry fruit, savoury notes, and vibrant acidity.

• Grenache & Mourvèdre (Mataro)

  • Used in GSM blends or as varietal wines.

  • Thrive in Heathcote’s warm, dry climate.

• Other Mediterranean & emerging varieties

  • Tempranillo, Nero d’Avola, Durif, Marsanne, Viognier, Fiano.

  • These heat-tolerant grapes are well-suited to climate variability and reflect the region’s innovation.

 

Major wineries

Heathcote is dominated by boutique and family-owned wineries, but its reputation has attracted national and international attention:

• Jasper Hill

  • Iconic estate founded in 1975 by Ron Laughton.

  • Emily’s Paddock and Georgia’s Paddock Shiraz are among Australia’s most celebrated single-vineyard wines.

  • Biodynamic farming, terroir-driven philosophy.

• Wild Duck Creek Estate

  • Boutique family winery.

  • Famous for Duck Muck Shiraz, a cult wine with international acclaim.

• Sanguine Estate

  • Family-owned vineyard producing award-winning Shiraz and Cabernet.

  • Sanguine Estate Shiraz regularly wins gold medals and trophies.

• Tellurian Wines

  • Strong reputation for Shiraz as well as alternative Mediterranean varieties (Sangiovese, Nero d’Avola, Grenache).

  • Organic and sustainable practices.

• Chalmers Wines

  • Leaders in importing and trialling Italian grape varieties in Australia.

  • Pioneered Sagrantino, Aglianico, Vermentino, and Fiano in Heathcote.

• Vinea Marson

  • Boutique winery with a strong Italian influence.

  • Known for Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Prosecco, and complex blends.