Whilst we rushed back from holidays in early February, ready for vintage, the grapes were not and remained on holidays. Then the March long weekend arrived and for the first time in 25 years, I got to enjoy the three days off, with no fruit in the house.

Vintage kicked in at Werribee with our Rosé harvest on March 20 with pristine Grenache showing florals and delicacy. The K Road Shiraz was picked the next day with lovely depth and ripe tannins.

Whilst our grapes in the Macedon Ranges were hanging around on the vine this year, they managed to dodge all the hazards thrown at them. From early spring frosts, hot spells during the Australian open, bushfires, hailstorms and even an Autumn frost, we avoided it all!

The first of the Macedon Ranges fruit came from the Midhill Chardonnay, which I believe is the most concentrated juice I’ve seen from this vineyard. The ferments have just kicked off. Little Hampton Chardonnay has arrived too, picked in the last week of April. 

Fine acidity and lots of flavour is the theme of vintage 2026. This last stretch of fine, late Autumn weather is just what the doctor ordered, and the final touch of ripeness is happening in the Little Hampton Pinot Noir. It looks like the quiet and easy start of harvest is about to catch up with us, with over 60 tonnes of Chardonnay and Pinot to be picked in the first two weeks of May.