Our Shiraz Vineyards

The Lovedale Road property was purchased by Joss and Anna De Iuliis in 1987 and the first vines were planted in the early 90’s including chardonnay, semillon, verdelho, merlot, and shiraz. The first vintage of this fruit was in 1992, where a small amount of semillon and chardonnay was picked (and later drunk) by the family and friends.

It was later on, that the potential for alternate varieties were realised and touriga was planted in 2010. We were the first in the Hunter to do so, and now produces our iconic and multiple trophy winning LDR Vineyard Shiraz Touriga. We have since planted montepulciano on this vineyard too. 

Presently we have an average yearly crush of approximately 100 tonnes from the 15 hectares of the LDR vineyard. The low yield results in very concentrated fruit, which, in turn, produces wine with exceptional flavour.

Located directly across from the Hunter Valley Gardens on the hill behind the dam, this iconic vineyard provides a stunning backdrop from Hunter Valley visitors. This vineyard was planted in 1968 by Lindemans and the soil is rich and volcanic. We were buying the exceptional quality fruit to make our Charlie Shiraz (named after Mike’s grandfather) from 2005 onwards, and leased the vineyard from 2009 until we purchased this vineyard from the Roche family in 2013.

Using regenerative viticulture the vineyard has been revitalised and we are able to pick quality semillon, chardonnay, shiraz and pecorino each year.

Shiraz is the only variety planted in the clay soils on Talga Road in Lovedale, located about 11 kms from the winery and cellar door. The soil on Talga Road is mineral rich and naturally allows better for water retention. These vines consistently produce a full bodied Hunter Shiraz that has incredible depth of colour and flavour.