Chateau Mildura
Chateau Mildura, located in Irymple, Victoria, is a historic winery with deep roots in Australia's wine industry. Established in 1888 by the Chaffey brothers, founders of the Mildura Irrigation Colony, this winery offers a unique blend of rich history and modern winemaking techniques.
History and Heritage
Chateau Mildura boasts a fascinating history that dates back to the late 19th century. The winery's original triple-gabled brick cellars, constructed in 1892, still stand today, serving as a testament to its enduring legacy. After transitioning through various ownership changes and focusing on brandy and fortified wine production for many years, Chateau Mildura returned to table wine production in 2005 under local ownership.
Vineyard and Winemaking
The winery employs a combination of traditional and modern winemaking techniques to produce high-quality wines. Small batches of white and red grapes are carefully processed using controlled temperature fermentation and open-top fermenters. Red wines undergo hand plunging before oak maturation, ensuring optimal flavor extraction and complexity.
Wine Portfolio
Chateau Mildura offers several distinct wine ranges:
Heritage Range: Classic varietals crafted for everyday enjoyment.
Smuggler Range: Varietal wines showcasing natural characteristics and offering excellent value.
Psyche Reserve Range: Premium wines made from select parcels of traditional European varieties, with extended new oak maturation.
Signature Range: Rare varietal wines, including Russian Saperavi and French Carmenere and Petit Verdot, released to commemorate the winery's 125th anniversary.
Visitor Experience
The cellar door at Chateau Mildura is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, offering visitors the opportunity to taste their award-winning wines. The winery also houses a museum containing a unique collection of wine-related items, providing insight into the region's rich viticultural history.
Awards and Recognition
Chateau Mildura's wines have garnered numerous accolades, including awards at Melbourne's Federation Square Winery Regions of Victoria Showcase and silver medals in the annual le Concours des Vins du Victoria.
Unique Offerings
One of the standout features of Chateau Mildura is its production of straight Petit Verdot, a relatively uncommon varietal wine. The winery also offers museum tours detailing Australia and Mildura's wine history, as well as self-guided and guided tours for a nominal fee.
Location and Surroundings
Situated in the Murray Darling wine region, Chateau Mildura benefits from the area's warm climate and irrigation from the Murray River. This unique terroir contributes to the distinctive character of their wines.
For wine enthusiasts seeking a blend of historical significance, quality wines, and a picturesque setting, Chateau Mildura offers a compelling destination. Its commitment to preserving local winemaking heritage while embracing modern techniques makes it a must-visit winery in Victoria's Sunraysia region.
