Midhill Vineyard is in the cooler, elevated part of the Macedon Ranges Wine region, located at 540m above sea level on the Great Dividing Range.
We grow Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Noir. Our part of the Region is especially good for Sparkling Wine production due to elevation, climate, aspect and soil type.
The vineyard of 2.5 ha. was planted in 1993 and produces typically ~6 tonnes per ha. The site is often windy and cold but has a northerly aspect and captures early morning sun. The soils are acid, red volcanic and well drained. Winter frosts and light snow are common. The site is subject to summer heat typical of the Great Divide but also receives a south-westerly breeze occasionally so there are both maritime and continental influences in our climate. Ripening is slowed by cool nights and harvest is usually in mid to late march for table wines. In cold years it can be as late as early May.
Sheep and cattle are grazed among the vines in winter for weed control and to return nutrient to the soil. In summer, straw mulch is spread along the vine rows to reduce moisture loss and suppress weed germination. Hand canopy management and pruning are carried out by the owners Hew & Di Richards. The vines are machine sprayed, drip irrigated in dry times and hand harvested. A close relationship exists with the wine makers to ensure the best fruit is harvested with minimal disease and bird damage, the right sugar, acidity and taste. Contract teams are brought in to hand harvest the fruit in the mornings while the grapes are still cool, and are pressed on the same day immediately on delivery to the winery.
We hope you enjoy the fruits of our labour as much as we do.
For vineyard location details, go to our Contact Us page