The Mornington Peninsula is a boot-shaped strip of land located in Victoria, Australia. South of Melbourne, it is flanked by Port Phillip, Western Port and the open and stormy waters of the Bass Strait. Near the shores of Western Port is our vineyard Capella, a small ultra-premium site with 5.2 hectares of Pinot Noir and 1.6 hectares of Chardonnay planted on VSP trellis. Sitting less than 5 kilometres inland from the ocean, it experiences a strong maritime influence, with moderating winds year-round.

The Traditional Owners of the land are the Boon Boon Wurrung / Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation, having
lived in the Peninsula for over 40,000 years. Their great respect for the land and the flora and fauna within it continues to live through us ever since the establishment of our winery here in 2013.

Soils are grey clay loam with good drainage. An efficient drip irrigation system flows through the estate, and in order to reduce water usage and increase soil health and biodiversity we make our own mulch and compost teas on site.

Throughout the growing season, other sustainable practices are implemented in lieu of herbicides or pesticides, with cover crops like crimson clover, snow peas or even radish mitigating weed growth while offering a spectacular flower display come spring.

The vineyard has produced several exceptional vintages and trophy-winning wines. Its first vines were planted four years prior to acquiring the property, and the youngest block of Pinot Noir was planted in 2015 with the aim of enhancing clonal variation at the vineyard. The vines are planted around a lake, whose water has been recognised in the region for its quality – testament to our zero-pesticide / herbicide policy. It is not only home to a thriving community of freshwater shrimp, fish and eels, but also to our resident and migratory birds, including our signature black swans – and cygnets!

All the vines are hand-harvested, typically in March. Pruning is also manual and very precise, following the Poussard method to respect the vine’s organic growth, respect sap flow and reduce the risk of wood disease.