The property already had a long history of involvement with the wine and grape industry, as vines were originally planted on the property back in 1886. Croatian settlers moved into the Hilltops region after leaving Dalmatia, bringing with them bundles of vine cuttings, some of which survive at Grove Estate today. Established to rich red volcanic soils at 500m above sea level on Murringo Road, just three kilometres from the town of Young, some of these ancient vines remain productive on their original parcels. The Flanders, Kirkwood and Mullany families acquired the land and re established Grove Estate vineyard as a supplier to national brands in 1989. Over the years, 40 hectares of vines have been planted, including the varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Zinfandel, Barbera, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay and Semillon.
In 1997 the partners of Grove Estate decided to retain a small parcel of fruit for their own branding, producing a range of premium wines under their own label. The first wine released was a 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon and now a full range of reds and whites exist, Zinfandel and Shiraz, Chardonnay, Semillon and Basazi, which is a blend of Barbera, Sangiovese & Zinfandel. Grove Estate’s 35 Hectares of vineyards make up just part of the story. The Kirkwood’s, Flanders and Mullanys also own another 55 Hectares of vineyards that supply the Grove Estate label. Mark and Vickie Flanders have vineyards adjoining Grove Estate on Murringo Road. Peter and Suzanne Kirkwood have Shiraz less then a Kilometre from Grove Estate and Brian and Suellen Mullany have Cabernet, Barbera and Sangiovese in the same area. Brian and Suellen along with Michelle and Vince Fernon have another 30 hectares, around 10 kilometres from Grove Estate towards the small village of Wombat.
This diversification of sites and soil types, along with the unique micro climates on each vineyard, allows for a great ability to produce a diverse style of wines from the one GI. This together with the huge range of varieties, including Nebbiolo, Zinfandel, Barbera, Sangiovese, Viognier, all make Grove Estate a really exciting winery.
The Hilltops have become one the great wine growing regions in Australia. Wines from the Hilltops, including choice harvests from Grove Estate vineyards, have won the most prestigious national awards. Jimmy Watson Trophy in 2010 and Finest Shiraz in Australia at the great Australian Shiraz Tasting. One of the original buildings on the property has now been transformed into a cellar door outlet, which offers wine tastings and sales.
Trophy winners Best Red Sydney International Wine Competition • Trophy Best medium bodied Red Sydney International Wine Competition • Blue Gold/Top 1OO Sydney International Wine Competition • Gold Vintage Cellars National Wine Show of Australia • Gold 2005 NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show • Gold Canberra Regional Wine Show • Silver Decanter London World Wine Awards
