Cowra Vineyards

Cowra Estate

• Est.: 1973
• Size: 75 ha
• Wines: Cowra Estate, Eagle Rock, Naturally Australian
• Winemaker: Ralph Fowler

Entrepreneur John Geber, a man with an eye for a good investment and a passion for fine wines, is owner of both Cowra Estate and the Barossa’s Chateau Tanunda. Home to the oldest Chardonnay vines in the region, Cowra Estate also produces Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Traminer on its 75 ha vineyard. Under the auspices of Geber, Cowra Estate is now taking the Cowra name abroad with “Naturally Australian”, a very successful wine export to Switzerland. Ralph Fowler, winemaker for Cowra Estate and Chateau Tanunda, has long admired the “peaches and cream” qualities of Cowra Chardonnay, describing Cowra as “the region that most typifies what we mean by this descriptive phrase.”

Cowra Estate is situated in the heart of the picturesque and fertile Lachlan Valley.  The unique sandy loam soil is enriched with minerals from decayed rocks and well drained with the pure and fresh water from the Lachlan River.  Together with long sunny days and cool nights we have some of the best growing conditions in Australia that produce some of the best wines with intense flavour and length.

Link to Cowra Estate wines available in CowraWineShop.com.au

Falls Wines Canowindra

• Est.: 1996
• Size: 95 ha
• Wines: Falls Wines Cabernet Sauvignon, Falls Wines Merlot, Falls Wines Semillon, Fields of Gold Chardonnay, Squatter’s Ghost Shiraz
• Winemaker: Robert Black

The beautiful Falls Vineyard and Guesthouse is located just a few kilometres from Canowindra.  Peter and Zoë Kennedy have established a very handsome vineyard, complete with roses at the end of each row and a shimmering, duck-filled lake. The Falls Guesthouse and Cellar Door has won many tourism awards and the Falls Wines are proving that Chardonnay is not the only variety to do well in the Cowra Region - Falls Wines Shiraz 02 was voted “Runner-up Best Young Red” at the 2004 NSW Wine Awards. The Guesthouse accommodation is four star and includes an indoor pool and spa, gym and tennis court.

The Falls Vineyard is one of the most picturesque properties in the region which, with a rich history of gold rushes, bushrangers, fossils and ghosts, attracts visitors from around the world to explore the area and enjoy the warmth and hospitality of their exclusive guest house.

Link to Falls Wines available in CowraWineSHop.com.au

Gardner's Ground

• Est.: 2001
• Size: 14.5 ha
• Wines: Gardners Ground, HawkWind
• Winemaker: Graham Kerr and Chris Derrez

Jenny & Herb Gardner are newcomers to the region who chose a section of Rivers Road Organic Farms to establish their organic vineyard. Using local wine makers Graham Kerr of Canowindra and French winemaker Chris Durez of Orange, the Gardners are already selling Organic Chardonnay and Shiraz to Japan. The latest release PReservative Free Shiraz has been a great success.

Link to Gardeners Ground Wines in shop

Hamilton’s Bluff

• Est.: 1995
• Size: 43 ha
• Wines: Hamiltons Bluff Sangiovese, Hamiltons Bluff Reserve Chardonnay, Hamiltons Bluff Methode Champenoise, Canowindra Grossi Unwooded Chardonnay
• Winemakers: Andrew Margan & Alasdair Sutherland

When Hamiltons Bluff released its first wine, an Unwooded Chardonnay named “Canowindra Grossi” after a famous local fish fossil, the vineyard found itself thrust into the limelight as the wine was snapped up for the Qantas First Class International Wine List. Hamiltons Bluff launched its Methode Champenoise in 1999, a sparkling wine made in the traditional French style. After exploring the wines of Tuscany, James Andrews planted the region’s first Sangiovese vines in 2000, and is now passionately striving to produce a true Australian Sangiovese that retains the bold, earthy characteristics of the traditional Italian variety.

Link to Hamilton's Bluff wine in CowraWineShop.com.au

Kalari

• Est.: 1995
• Size: 14 ha
• Wines: Kalari Chardonnay, Kalari Verdelho, Kalari Semillon, Kalari Cabernet Merlot, Kalari Semillon Verdelho, Kalari Late-picked Verdelho
• Winemakers: Jill Lindsay & John Reynolds

KALARI Wines is a family owned business comprising a vineyard, wines produced from the estate grown grapes and a Cellar Door for wine tastings and functions.  The vineyard was established in 1995 and the first three wines produced in 1998. The range of wines has now extended to eight, specializing in a variety of styles from the Verdelho grape.

The property name “KALARI’, and now the wine label, is very significant as it was the name given to the Lachlan River by the Wiradjuri people who lived in Cowra before white settlement.

In November 1998 the cozy, rustic Cellar Door, nestled amongst the vines, was opened and about a year later extensions and renovations commenced.

These extensions have provided additional space for the display and promotion of local arts, crafts and produce, as well as larger seating areas for visitors to sit, relax and take in the stunning views over the vineyard and Lachlan River Valley.

The Gallery Exhibitions change every two months and include the Kalari People’s Choice Exhibition which is now in its eighth year.

Link to Kalari wines in CowraWineShop

Mulligan  

• Est.: 1994
• Size: 20ha
• Wines: Mulligan’s Chardonnay, Mulligan’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Mulligan’s Shiraz
• Winemakers: Chris Derez

Link to Mulligan wines in shop

Mulyan 

• Est.: 1994
• Size: 52 ha
• Wines: Mulyan
• Winemakers: Drew Tuckwell
• Cellar Door: North Logan Rd, Cowra. Weekends 10am – 5pm

Mulyan believe that the quality of their wines is established in the vineyard.  They work closely with environmental constraints, such as temperature, soil profiles and water, and develop our pruning, spraying and irrigation regime accordingly.

Conserving water where they can, Mulyan ensure that the vineyard is mulched in order to minimise loss of moisture.  Likewise, water from any crop irrigation is recycled via tail end channeling and diverted back to the crops or vines.

The Vineyard comprises Chardonnay, Shiraz, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Being very conscious of our impact on the environment, the vineyard is managed in a way to develop environmental sustainability.  This includes recycling irrigation as well as mulching the vines to conserve water.

Mulyan are committed to working closely with other likeminded winemakers and vignerons in the region to develop environmental sustainability.  This partnership aims to share, build and apply our sustainable viticultural practices with benefits not only for our businesses, but to the sustainability of the Cowra region and Lachlan Valley catchment.

The Mulyan wines are single vineyard wines, and in some instances such as the 'Block 9' Shiraz Viognier, and 'Block 7' Chardonnay, single parcel wines made from small, select parcels of fruit.
The wines are made with a clear philosophy of showcasing the regions intense fruit characteristics, with minimal winemaker interaction and a careful, balanced use of oak.

See all Mulyan Wines in CowraWineShop

Pig In the House (Certified Organic)

Pig In The House vineyard is located 20 kilometers from Cowra in the beautiful Central Ranges of New South Wales. The 15 acre vineyard was established in 1996 and was originally home to 20 free range pigs.

The terrain of the site lends itself to the production of premium reds which includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz. The vineyard was initially developed and managed using conventional management methods. Minimum intervention was practiced during the establishment phase of the vineyard however non organic inputs were used.

Accreditation for organic production and labeling was gained through the Biological Farmers of Australia. This involved changes to vineyard management and winemaking.

It is the belief of Pig In The House that healthy soil is the building block of organic wine production and essential to the sustainability of the vineyard. Through the application of compost, mulch, biodynamic preparations and carefully managed cover crops they are building up the soil humus and organic matter levels. As a result Pig In The House is using less water and improving the health of the vines. They use alternative forms of fertilizer and fungicides on the vines namely fish products, biodynamic preparations and canopy management. In terms of herbicides they have replaced the use of chemicals with under vine application of straw mulch, manual weeding and during the dormant months the use of organic sheep. As a result Pig In The House have successfully reduced the use of chemical inputs using these methods.

Link to Pig In The House wines in CowraWineShop      See ALL Organic Cowra Wines

River Park

• Est.: 1996
• Size: 14.5ha
• Wines:  River Park Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon
• Winemakers: John Hordern
• Cellar Door: 88 River Park Road, Cowra. Open 9am – 5pm daily by appointment

Bill and Christine Murphy produce Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon on their lovely vineyard overlooking the Lachlan River, just minutes from Cowra. River Park Vineyard is a very popular wedding and function venue. Wine writer Chris Shanahan wrote that he “…particularly liked the River Park Cabernet Sauvignon that picked up one of only two Medals at the Canberra Regional Wine Show” in 2004.

See River Park wines in CowraWineShop

Rosnay Organic Wines 

• Est.: 1997
• Size: 20ha
• Wines: Chardonnay, Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, Mourverdre Rose, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Triple Blend (Cabernet/Shiraz/Merlot), Sparkling Vintage Chardonnay.
• Winemakers: Folkert Jensen, Windowrie Estate
• Cellar Door: Rivers Road, Canowindra. By appointment

Since 1997, the Statham family has been growing winegrapes and olives at Canowindra. At an elevation of about 330m above sea level, and with deep red clay soils and reliable water, it was chosen as an ideal site for a vineyard and olive grove by Richard and Florence Statham in 1995. Grown with a passion for natural, organic and biodynamic farming, Rosnay wines and olive products are great examples of the region, which is ideally suited to this method of viticultureand farming.

Link to Rosnay Organic Wines in shop    See ALL Organic Cowra Wines

Spring Ridge 

• Est.: 1997
• Size: 12.5ha
• Wines: Spring Ridge Shiraz, Spring Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, Spring Ridge Chardonnay, Spring Ridge Rose
• Winemakers: Drew Tuckwell
• Cellar Door: Darby’s Falls Road, Cowra. Open weekends 10am – 5pm or by appointment

Link to Spring Ridge wines in shop

Swinging Bridge 

• Est.: 1995
• Size: 80ha
• Wines: Swinging Bridge Shiraz, Swinging Bridge Cabernet Merlot, Swinging Bridge Chardonnay
• Winemakers: Chris Derrez and Murray Smith
• Cellar Door: “Alfalfa” Gooloogong Rd, Canowindra. First full weekend of every month & by appointment

Swinging Bridge Estate was first planted in 1995 and is located 25min north of Cowra.

The name for the vineyard comes from a suspension walking bridge located at the foot of the vineyard. This site was identified as an area of potential for a vineyard because of its soils and its access to water. The soils of the vineyard range from sandy to light clay loams over a cracking clay loam. These soils have proven to be suitable to the varieties that are grown at the vineyard. The irrigation water comes from the Belubula River which winds its way through the Central Ranges.

The vineyard has expanded throughout the years with Verdelho, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Each year selected parcels of grapes are made under our Swinging Bridge label. Since our first wines were made in the 1997 vintage, they have been well received by the consumers and highly rated at various National and Regional Wine Shows, including the Swinging Bridge 2007 Shiraz which was judged Best Red Wine in NSW at the 2008 NSW Wine Awards.

Link to Swinging Bridge wines in shop

The Mill 

• Est.: 1986
• Size: 240 ha
• Wines: The Mill, Windowrie Estate Family Reserve, Lachlan Platypus
• Winemaker: Folkert Jannsen
• Cellar Door: The Mill, Vaux Street, Cowra. 10am – 6pm daily

Built by brothers Walsh, The Mill was opened on February 13 1861 to local enthusiasm. The Mill operated until 1905 producing Golden Spray brand local flour, it then lay vacant for over 90 years.

In 1995 the O’Dea family of Windowrie purchased and renovated the empty shell. An important aspect of the rejuvenation was the use of 80% recycled materials from such varied sources as train carriages, cattle yards, bulldozers, demolished houses and part of Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport.
During vintage the finest parcels of fruit are selected to produce our award winning wines. All wines are made in our state of the art winery located 30 km north west of Cowra. Traditional techniques are combined with new technology to produce affordable wines that display unique regional character.

Link to The Mill wines in shop

Tom's Waterhole 

• Est.: 1998
• Size: 4 ha
• Brands: Toms Waterhole, The Waterhole Blend, Humpers
• Wines:  Semillon, Chardonnay, Semillon Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cab Sauvignon, Merlot, Humpers Gold, Humper's Solera Port
• Winemaker: Graham Kerr
• Cellar Door: Longs Corner Rd, Canowindra. Open 7 Days 10am- 4pm

In the vineyard systemic chemicals are not used and disease is controlled by use of Bordeaux Mix - a spray of copper, sulphur and lime in use in vineyards for over one hundred years. Water is limited and although an emergency irrigation system is in place where possible dry land growing in practiced. In our organically certified winery chemical enhancements are avoided by making the wine in small discrete batches and blending the parcels to achieve appropriate tannin and acid balance.

They accept that each vintage will be different, depending on the season however it is already clear that Semillon, Shiraz and (especially) Cabernet Sauvignon from the Canowindra district have some uniquely desirable regional characters that persist from vintage to vintage. Grape growing and winemaking is intended to enhance these characters.

Link to Tom’s Waterhole wines in shop

Wallington 

• Est.: 1992
• Size: 18 ha
• Wines: Wallington’s, Wallington’s Rockdell
• Winemakers: Margaret Wallington & Murray Smith
• Cellar Door: Eugowra Rd, Canowindra. First full weekend of every month & by appointment

The vineyard is now managed organically as is the olive grove.  They are in the process of conversion and very determined to achieve the goal of sustainable farming. The whole property will be converted to fully organic management over the next few years.  This is not a huge change as they have been committed to sustainability for some time

Irrigation is supplied by catchment water with additional bore water and is used sparingly to produce bunches of small intensely flavoured grapes. Soil moisture is monitored carefully to ensure appropriate use of irrigation water.

Varietals:
Cabernet Sauvignon was planted in 1992; Chardonnay in '94; Shiraz '95; Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Semillon in '98;  Grenache, Petit Verdot, Mouverdre, Tempranillo and Viognier in 2000 - these recent plantings are used significantly for blending.

A huge STRAW BALE building was completed '99/2000 and functions as the winery.  The insulation qualities of the straw are very good.  The building is also used for wine tastings and dinners.  The views over the vineyard are truly magnificent.

Wallington grapes are hand picked.  The reds are open vat fermented and the cap manually plunged, while the whites are fermented either in oak or stainless steel.  A basket press is used when ferment is complete and the wine is transferred to a variety of French and American oak to mature.

At harvest (March /April) each year the Wallingtons invite interested clients to join them for vintage activities, accommodation can be had in the Cottage at the vineyard (sleeps 12), or at local Pubs, Motels etc.  Picking starts at early and completed for the day by midday, when a well deserved lunch accompanied by various Wallington wines, this is to revive you  for the afternoon's activities.  Crushing gets underway mid afternoon, with many hands/feet making light work.  Cleansing ales are very welcome at the end of the day.  Freshen up in the swimming pool the join us for dinner in the cool of the evening with tastings from the barrels.

Link to Wallington wines in shop

Windowrie Estate 

Link to Windowrie wines in shop

Kiola Wines

Kiola Vineyard was first planted in 1996 by viticultural consultant Mark Sims and his wife Luisa. The vineyard was planted exclusively to Shiraz and is situated in the heart of the breeding grounds of the endangered ‘Superb Parrot’.

For the last ten years, the family has been producing small parcels of premium Shiraz. The vintage variations and winemaking experimentation has enable Kiola to produce a diverse range of Shiraz over the past few years.

Link to Kiola Wines in shop