Our Vineyard

Our 10-acre vineyard lies down a sleepy country lane in the beautiful Severn River Valley. It was first planted in the 1990s in a location that sits some 840 metres above sea level and enjoys an ideal climate for growing premium wine with a terroir similar to the Rioja region of northern Spain.

ridgemill estate’s Vineyard Varieties

The vineyard’s neat rows of vines are orientated on a north-south axis to make the most of the sun’s rays; ripening the bunches of grapes slowly and evenly, producing distinctive, rich and flavoursome wines from the cool climate region of the Granite Belt. Varietals under vine include Australian favourites such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Shiraz. Adding to the hero varieties are some exceptional alternative varieties, including Tempranillo, Grenache, and our winemaker’s new love, Saperavi.

White Grape Varieties

Chardonnay – This is the world’s most widely planted white wine variety. It originates from Burgundy. It can be made in a Wooded (oaked) Style or an unwooded style. Chardonnay wines tend to be medium to full bodied, so they are well suited to Roast Chicken, White meats with cream based sauces, and rich seafood dishes.

Riesling – This variety originated in Germany, and that country still has the most vineyard areas devoted to it. The reputation of Riesling suffered greatly in the 1960s, 70s and 80s as being marketed as a cheap sweet wine.

Semillon – This variety is often blended with Sauvignon Blanc. It is the most important white wine variety in Bordeaux for sweet wines such as Sauternes and Barsac. Semillon originates from France. Varietal Semillon wines are sometimes oaked, but lighter unoaked wines are probably more popular these days.

Verdelho – This variety probably oringinated on the Portuguese island of Madeira, where it was used to make the eponymous fortified wine. By far the majority of the world’s Verdelho is grown in Australia.

Viognier – The Voignier variety has an interesting history. Until about 50 years ago, it was on the brink of extinction. It is sometimes in Australia co fermented with Shiraz to make a Shiraz Viognier.

Pinot Gris/ Grigio – This is an increasingly popular variety with two names and two identities. It is, in fact, not a variety but a mutation of Pinot Noir. Pinot Gris is  French and Pinot Grigio is Italian both meaning Grey. This variety originates from France.

As any vigneron will attest, each year brings seasonal changes and unpredictability. That is the challenge and joy of winemaking. Our goal is to ensure every vintage is optimised and that the fruit is a true expression of the season.

Red Grape Varieties

Pinot Noir – This grape variety originated from France. The finest, and most expensive, expressions of this variety are found in red wines of Burgundy. Pinot Noir is also one of the Favoured trinity to make Champagne.

Tempranillo –  Tempranillo wines are often classed according to their age and oak treatment. Joven styles are unoaked and crafted to be consumed young. Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva classes must spend increasing time in oak, and are bottle aged for defined periods before being sold. Tempranillo originates from Spain, which grows about 90% of the worlds plantings.

Shiraz – Shiraz originates from the Northern Rhone region of France. Shiraz is most often associated with Australia, where it is the most commonly grown Variety. It is often blended with other varieties, for example with Grenache and Mourvedre in the classic GSM blend.

Grenache – Its Spanish origin suggests that Grenacha is probably the more correct name. In France, Grenache is used extensively throughout the South. It is a major component of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape DOCG.