Lamplough Estate
is an independent, boutique family-owned winery, seven kilometres south
of Avoca on the Sunraysia Highway.
It
began as a dream many years ago, but in 1996, together with my wife
Jeannie, I decided to trade in a career as an industrial chemist, plant
vines and make wine.
After
a very enjoyable search for land throughout Victoria we settled on the
Pyrenees region as the destination for our vineyard. In 1997 the land
now known as Lamplough Estate was purchased, and in the same year the
first vines were planted – a selection of classic varietals including
Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon
Blanc.
After
several setbacks, mainly due to a prolonged drought, in 2006 Lamplough
Estate opened its cellar door for tastings and sales.
From
vine to glass the Lamplough Estate story has been a labour of love,
and harder work than we ever imagined. So please, come celebrate with
us…
Our Philosophy
Enjoying good food
and fine wine with family and friends is one of life's great joys, and
has always been a special part of our family life. With the opening
of Lamplough Estate, we hope to share our passion for great wine.
We are committed
to making premium wines full of flavour from the finest grapes. We make
our wine only from grapes we grow ourselves, allowing the varietal characteristics
of the grapes to take centre stage.
We aim to be recognised
in time as a good, reliable independent wine maker with a commitment
and dedication to excellence.
Our Vineyard
Most winemakers
agree that fine wines begin in the vineyard. At Lamplough Estate, we
are blessed with perfect conditions for producing strong, healthy, vines
with a good balance of fruit to foliage, and compact bunches of flavoursome
fruit.
The climate of
hot, dry summer days and cool nights makes possible a gradual ripening
of the fruit, which ensures strong fruit flavours.
The soil is a
mix of gravel, quartz and clay, with a small amount of topsoil, which
provides excellent natural drainage and is ideal for nourishing grape vines. p>
There are currently five hectares under vine at Lamplough Estate. Although there is a preponderance of Shiraz, we also have plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon.
We employ organic
viticultural practices as much as possible. The dry climate of the Pyrenees
enables us to grow grapes relying largely on the traditional fungicides,
sulphur and copper. Pesticides are rarely used on the property.
Harvest generally
starts in early March and is finished by June. Our grapes are picked
by hand, and wines are made at Lamplough Estate only from fruit grown
on the estate.