Purchased in 2007 with a goal to embrace the region’s unique geology we began our work of planting new, and tending to already established vines, including Chardonnay , Viognier, Marsanne, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot and produced our first Warramunda Estate vintage in 2013.
The wines exceeded our expectations and enabled us to establish a strong course - signature, handcrafted wines, which reflect our site, our skill and the quality of our fruit. In 2014 our Cellar Door opened and we began welcoming guests into this extension of our family home. We welcome you to take your time, enjoy a glass of wine and order from our food menu while enjoying the sunshine and our beautiful valley vista. The future and the passion we have for Warramunda Estate is bright. We hope you continue to come with us on the journey.
We make Warramunda Estate wines to reflect their terroir – the distinctive place in which they are grown, Coldstream. The work we do in the vineyard is imperative to reflect and respect the earth in which the grapes are grown.
Covering some sixty-five acres, the vineyard consists of Chardonnay, Viognier, Marsanne, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon plantings. In 2015, we converted 23 rows of Cabernet Sauvignon to include Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot, which are blended along with the Cabernet Sauvignon to make our Warramunda Cabernets a Bordeaux style blend.
Warramunda Estate practises sustainable viticulture which combines the practice of organic and biodynamic philosophies. We focus from the earth to the vine primarily managing the microflora that exist in the soil. Our soil consists of layers of sandy loam, sedimentary rock, sandstone cap followed by more sedimentary rock then finally clay. The microflora mainly exist within the sandy loam which is at the surface. We focus on planting organic materials such as rye & clover (cover crops) which is worked through the sandy loam (compost), promoting high levels of worm activity and creating a high-quality balance of microflora.
We rely on only natural rainfall which also delivers a balance throughout the growing season. All vineyard management processes are determined by the Lunar Cycle which outlines four three-day periods called flower day, fruit day, root day and leaf day. Throughout the lunation cycle the moon passes through four phases – New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon and Last Quarter. The number of days between each change of phase can vary from 6.75 to 8. All vineyard management processes such as pruning are determined by the Lunar Cycle.
Our focus on canopy ensures that we have a balanced ratio of grapes to foliage, creating the right amount of energies driven into the development and ripening of fruit. This process confirms that we have the exact balance between sugars and acids at harvest.
Our vineyard team spends a significant amount of time tending to each vine in each block to ensure the vines are healthy and reflecting their natural growth patterns to produce fruit of optimum quality. The culmination of each of these small and melodic steps is to produce an output that is both unique to the individual style of the wine that we are creating while reflecting the distinctive terroir of Warramunda Estate. These are benchmark wines which are true to the characteristics of Coldstream in the Yarra Valley, strong varietal aromas, wonderful flavours and soft balanced tannins.
The vineyard’s canopies are protected throughout the growing season with the use of natural sprays such as Bordeaux Blend (Copper Sulphur). We strictly use no insecticides which, aside from being better for the environment, also promote a diverse selection of beneficial insects that eat all the predatory pests and insects. Each step provides the perfect balance to grow super premium grapes.
Our vineyard team spends a significant amount of time tending to each vine in each block to ensure the vines are healthy and reflecting their natural growth patterns to produce fruit of optimum quality. The culmination of each of these small and melodic steps is to produce an output that is both unique to the individual style of the wine that we are creating while reflecting the distinctive terroir of Warramunda Estate. These are benchmark wines which are true to the characteristics of Coldstream in the Yarra Valley, strong varietal aromas, wonderful flavours and soft balanced tannins.
The Yarra Valley is one of Australia’s most renowned cool climate wine regions. The mild, temperate climate of warm summers, crisp winters and generous winter and spring rainfall create the ideal environment for producing premium wine grapes. Our northerly aspect ensures our vines receive maximum sunshine exposure which is essential for balanced grape development and vine growth.
Much of the estate straddles bedrock composed of sedimentary sandstone and a series of sub and topsoil. The soil is relatively acidic yet porous providing favourable drainage and the position and attributes of the vineyard are idyllic for the varieties we grow. The vines are north-facing and on a downward slope, providing essential drainage to the flats of the Yarra River. We are just a short distance from the Warramate Hills which provide a natural screen from the elements, alongside other well established winery neighbours such as Yeringberg, Oakridge, Coldstream Hills and Yarra Yering. All of these elements combined create a unique and ideal setting for cultivating superior grapes for outstanding wines.
History
The Ryrie Brothers first settled the area in 1837, after driving their cattle herd south from NSW and establishing a 17,000-hectare farm on the site of Yering Station. James, Donald and William planted two varieties of grapes in 1838, although cattle were still their main enterprise. Paul de Castella purchased the property from the Ryrie Brothers in 1850 and wine-grape production in Victoria became a growing industry. Many hectares started to be planted of wine grape varieties, under familiar labels such as Yeringberg, and St Hubert’s. Unfortunately, by 1921, the Yarra Valley wine industry was in serious decline and most of the region was converted to cattle grazing pastures. In 1968, Wantirna Estate and soon after, in 1969 Yarra Yering were established. This signalled a rebirth of the Yarra Valley industry and vineyards began to emerge across the region. In 2015, the area processed 1.67 million tons of wine grapes and had approximately 3,000 hectares under vine.
Today, the region is recognised as home to some of the best wines Australia produces. It is also one of Victoria’s most important food bowls with quick and direct access to the markets and ports of Melbourne. Stone fruit, apple, pear, cherry, strawberry as well as olive, milk, cheese, beef, lamb, pork and vegetable farms are just a few of the agribusiness activities that thrive in the region.
Robert and Irene purchased Warramunda Estate, formerly Warramunda Station, in 2007, after long careers in the local hospitality industry as well as handplanting their first vineyard in the Macedon Ranges. As previous owners of pubs, bars and restaurants, Robert and Irene have a deep understanding and appreciation for quality produce and wanted the wines they produced to reflect this commitment to premium products, made with sustainable practice in mind.
After a childhood spent on her parent’s vineyard in the Macedon Ranges and the Yarra Valley, it only made sense that Liv would take on the family business of winemaking and at the age of 16 she undertook her first vintage at Yering Station. Alongside her budding career as a winemaker, Liv branched out into the Film & Television industry, specializing in special effects make up and worked extensively in Vancouver and Los Angeles. During this time Liv returned frequently to her home at the vineyard and has remained an integral member of our winemaking team.
Liv now manages alongside her parents and is involved in all aspects of the business.
The driving force behind our talented vineyard team is a passion for sustainability and quality while creating premium wines that truly express the unique and idyllic terroir in which they are made.
From harvesting to labelling and manning our cellar door, each member of our team is as crucial as they are versatile and perfectly encapsulate our dedication to creating amazing and well considered wines.