We at Mount Buninyong Winery have been doing our own thing for quite a while. Winemaker Peter Armstrong discovered his ability for producing wines and fortified of such quality and these are now raved about and well known across the country.
It is not in our nature to follow the flock...........................
Rather than manipulate the fruit into wine, we seek the individuality of each grape variety and harmonise the winemaking to it's song.
Vines were first planted at the property in 1985 of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and the cellar door opened in 1991. The first of many vintages was carried out completely by hand with the wonderful assistance of close family and friends. Grapes were also sourced from surrounding areas to make what became award winning red wines.
Picking the grapes by hand, destemming and then crushing the must in a small hand ratchet style wooden press, shovelling and laughing, it's a late night sticky affair and beautiful aromas fill the winery as the yeasts start to work their wonders. Peter Armstrong has winning gold, silver and bronze medals for his Chardonnay, Colombard, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
A small patch of land was dedicated to plant vines which are direct descendants of the first vines brought to Australia from Switzerland in 1860's. These cuttings came from a farm near Daylesford, which is renowned for it's Swiss connections, and these vines are now the most hardy in the plantation.
Pruning the vines has always been done by hand and chosing a closure for our bottles was and still is easy..... good old natural, sustainable cork!
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