Westgate traditionally has been a sheep grazing property, but in the late 60's as wool prices plummeted, an alternative focus was necessary.
The varieties are still Shiraz and Riesling with the addition of Chardonnay, Marsanne, Rousanne and Viognier and the deletion of Trebbiano.
The climate is marginally maritime due to the height above sea level and frosts are rare. “Scotch mists” in the morning, however, are common and a particularly beautiful addition to lovely sunrises over the Pyrenees Ranges and the vineyard.
The first vineyard was planted at Westgate in 1969 from old Great Western clones,
a mix of Shiraz, Riesling and Trebbiano, the recommended varieties of the time.
Since the 70’s the Westgate fruit has been well regarded and keenly sought by local vignerons to produce some of the districts finest wines.
It is clear that both Shiraz and Riesling are best suited to our conditions, however as fashions have changed, so have the varieties.
The Trebbiano has long gone and new plantings include small trial blocks of Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier. We anticipate these French varieties from the Rhone Valley (the home of Shiraz), should be well suited to our conditions.
The Westgate vineyard is nestled at the base of a north eastern slope of the Great Dividing Range,( around the 350 meter contour) 10 kilometres South of Great Western in the Grampians region of Western Victoria.
The vineyard is managed on a low input principal to encourage the maximum expression of the "Terroir".
The soils are well structured red brown clay loams over Ordovician shales and ironstone.
There was a small winery at Westgate, but at this stage we have decided not to operate as a winery and concentrate more on the management of the vineyard to produce quality fruit to sell to vignerons.
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The climate is Mediterranean marginally maritime, which reduces the impact of extreme weather events. Being on the northern slope of the Great Divide Diving Range the days are usually warm and sunny, and our proximity to the coast provides cool evening "sea" breezes.
A small winery was built at Westgate in 1990 and in 1999 a vignerons licences was granted to allow for the production and sale of small quantities of wine under the Westgate label.
Westgate Wines can be purchased via mail order, and through select wine retailers.
Our range of wines include the Endurance Shiraz and Riesling, both consistently rated in the 90’s by James Halliday.
Wines available are in very limited supply and sell out quickly. |
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