Vine & wine

On 110 acres of largely undisturbed bush land we have four, small vineyard blocks, totalling approximately 10 acres. Most of the vineyard is positioned on a free draining slope. The gradient falls towards the South which, together with the 200-metre elevation, accentuates the cool nature of the vineyard. As such, the mesoclimate of our site provides a longer than usual ripening season which, in turn, produces wines of varietal intensity, elegance and complexity. 

The original block (D block) was planted in 1995 with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. The balance of the vines were planted in 2000 with the addition of Gewürztraminer and Tempranillo. The tiny block of Gewürztraminer sits nestled into the hill on the coolest corner of the vineyard. The Tempranillo sits in a warmer, more exposed location.

When we think about making our wine, we don’t start with grapes arriving at our winery in fruit bins in late Summer. We start from the moment we prune last year’s growth, in Winter. And each of the actions we take (or, in a considered way, don’t take), from pruning to picking, is based on the fruit we want in order to make the wines we are aiming for. We intend to produce the healthiest, most flavoursome and intensely varietal fruit possible.

Our vines are hand pruned to ensure low, balanced yields of between 2 and 2.5 tonnes per acre. In mid-Spring we shoot thin (targeting yield) and in Summer, when necessary, we bunch thin and/or leaf pluck (gently adjusting the rate of ripening) – both processes result in more open canopies (allowing more sunlight and breeze through the canopy), lower disease pressure and thus prevents the need to frequently spray for mildews etc. The fruit is hand-harvested at optimal ripeness and acidity, enabling us to only use fruit of the highest quality. 

Angus and Cathy have been making the Sutherland Estate wines since 2006.

In the winery it’s hand plunging in small open pots, a mix of wild and cultured yeasts, minimal sulphur additions prior to bottling, and very careful decisions relating to oak type and use. Our wines are unfined and usually unfiltered.

Each vintage we produce less than 2000 cases in total.

We have received numerous awards and medals. James Halliday has rated Sutherland Estate a red five-star winery.