Located in Central Victoria, Sugarloaf Creek Vineyard is situated on the boundary of the three geographical regions of the Upper Goulburn, Goulburn Valley and Macedon Ranges wine regions. The vines are non-irrigated and produce low yields of premium quality fruit. The location of the property ideally provides for cool climate viticulture leading to a long and slow ripening period for the fruit. The aim is to combine best practise viticulture with best practise wine making to consistently produce a Shiraz of outstanding quality that can sit comfortably on the international stage.
The soil is rich black volcanic with red clay deep below that holds onto water through the driest conditions. We therefore employ no artificial means of irrigation relying purely on rainfall and the excellent properties of our terroir. The result of ‘dry farm’ viticulture is that the berries, bunches and overall yields are often smaller intensifying the fruit flavours in the wine.
Established by the Blyth and Hunter families in the 1990’s the vines have been planted and nurtured to maturity by hand. The entire vineyard is planted with Shiraz PT23 vines and is a labour-of-love maintained by the two families. Each vine is carefully pruned, trained, trimmed, thinned and picked by hand to encourage the highest quality fruit possible from the site. The vineyard block slopes towards the east, high on a hill to minimise any potential frost damage.
The property has much history, being home to a vineyard over 100 years ago. Its viticultural rebirth has created multi-award winning Shiraz with each vintage produced. The 1860s homestead is now home to James and Julie Hunter and their young family.
