When the Yering Station vineyard was planted in 1838 in the Yarra Valley, it marked the beginning of the wine industry in Victoria. A new era followed 158 years later when the Rathbone family bought the estate, building a state-of-the-art winery and establishing impressive gardens, thus creating an award-winning port of call for both local and international wine-lovers. Of course, it’s not just the breath-taking location that draws in visitors; the wines are equally as admirable as shown by the enviable collection of awards including ‘International Winemaker of the Year’ at the 2004 International Wine and Spirit Competition in London. Yering Station also holds a place in the Australian Tourism Awards ‘Hall of Fame’, having been inducted in 2006 for their dedication to excellence.
How long have you been in the wine business?
Having been planted in 1838, Yering Station has been around for 177 years. However, the old vines were lost at the turn of the century due to the combination of a change in Australians’ drinking preferences and financial depression. It wasn’t just Yering Station that was affected; the whole Victorian viticulture industry was decimated. The vineyard was replanted in 1988 and further rejuvenation occurred when the Rathbone Family took over in 1996.
What other varietals/blends may be on the horizon?
The focus of Yering Station is to make optimal regional wines. This means Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and co-fermented Shiraz Viognier are our key varieties thanks to the Yarra Valley’s cool climate. However, we’re constantly trying out new varieties and clones, which often make it to our cellar door range.
Did you know...
Yering Station’s Avenue of Elms is heritage listed. Its history dates back to 1850 when Yering Station was in the hands of Paul de Castella. He planted it as a present to his wife, who was on her way to Australia.
- Willy Lunn, Chief Winemaker