Craiglee Vineyard

Craiglee Vineyard, located in Sunbury, Victoria, is a historic and renowned winery that offers wine enthusiasts a unique blend of tradition, quality, and picturesque surroundings. Here's what wine lovers should know about this exceptional destination:

Historical Significance

Craiglee Vineyard boasts a rich history dating back to 1863 when James Stewart Johnston, a prominent Melbourne businessman and member of Parliament, first planted vines on the property. The original bluestone winery, built into a steep slope, still stands today and showcases the innovative gravity-fed system used for winemaking in the 19th century.

Award-Winning Wines

For over four decades, Craiglee has consistently produced some of Australia's most respected wines. The winery is particularly famous for its:

• Cool-climate Shiraz: Widely regarded as one of Australia's finest, Craiglee's Shiraz is known for its spicy, peppery notes and medium-weight character.

• Chardonnay: Considered one of Australia's most age-worthy Chardonnays, it develops subtle complexities while retaining freshness over time.

Other varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier, all crafted to reflect the unique terroir of the Sunbury region.

Winemaking Philosophy

Patrick Carmody, the current winemaker, has been producing wines at Craiglee since the 1970s. His approach is characterized by:

• Exclusive use of estate-grown fruit

• Hand-picking and on-site bottling

• Respect for the site's history and terroir

• Sustainable practices, including solar power and wastewater management

Visitor Experience

Wine lovers visiting Craiglee Vineyard can expect:

• Cellar Door: Open on the first Sunday of each month from 11 AM to 4 PM

• Wine Tastings: An opportunity to sample their renowned Shiraz and other varietals

• Scenic Views: The picturesque property offers beautiful vistas of the surrounding countryside

• Historical Tour: Explore the original bluestone winery and learn about its gravity-fed system

Location and Access

Craiglee Vineyard is conveniently located about 45 minutes northwest of Melbourne, making it an ideal day trip destination. The address is 785 Sunbury Road, Sunbury, Victoria 3429.

Wine Club

For those who want to maintain a connection with Craiglee after their visit, the winery offers a Wine Club. Members receive biannual shipments and exclusive access to museum wines and special tasting opportunities.

Critical Acclaim

Craiglee has garnered praise from notable wine critics:

• Max Allen of the Australian Financial Review has lauded the consistency and quality of Craiglee's Shiraz across multiple vintages.

• Ralph Kyte-Powell of The Real Review has highlighted the winery's ability to remain small and independent while producing excellent wines for over 40 years.

Wine lovers visiting Craiglee Vineyard will discover a perfect blend of history, craftsmanship, and exceptional wines, all set against the backdrop of Victoria's beautiful Sunbury region.