Coldstream Hills

The story of Coldstream Hills began with a commitment to and a passion for the Yarra Valley – a wine region known for producing exceptional fruit and outstanding wines.

Situated in the Yarra Valley, one of Australia's premier cool climate wine regions and renowned for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the steep, close-planted vineyards lining the natural Amphitheatre have become an icon of the region.

1985-1992; Early Beginnings: Coldstream Hills was founded by James and Suzanne Halliday in 1985, with the Amphitheatre and House Block planted in the same year. In 1988, land adjacent to Coldstream Hills was purchased, followed by the planting of G Block with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties. The year ended with the construction of the winery, with the administration and second barrel cellar built in 1992.

1993-1999; Planting and Expansion: The Upper Yarra Valley Vineyard was planted in 1993, followed by the acquisition of the Briarston Vineyard in 1994, and the Fernhill Vineyard in 1996. A new temperature-controlled barrel cellar, capable of handling up to 1500 barrels, was built in 1999

2001-2009; A New Era: Winemakers Andrew Fleming and Greg Jarratt joined Coldstream Hills in 2001 – positions they hold to this day. Their leadership produced a string of wine show awards, including Champion Wine of the 2005 Royal Queensland Wine Show for their 2003 Coldstream Hills Reserve Chardonnay, and the Adelaide Trophy for Most Outstanding Red or White Wine in Show (2005 Coldstream Hills Reserve Chardonnay). In 2007, the pair released just 68 cases of their first – and now famous - Amphitheatre Pinot Noir. Two years later, the winery underwent a major upgrade, allowing Fleming and Jarratt to expand winemaking operations. However, in the same year, the Black Saturday bushfire tore through the Yarra Valley, destroying part of the Fernhill Vineyard.

2010-Now; Decade of Wins: The James Halliday Cellar was officially opened on October 12, 2010, alongside the release of new Single Vineyard Chardonnays from our Deer Farm and Rising Vineyards. Over the next decade, expressions of Coldstream Hills’ Chardonnay and Pinot Noir would win critical acclaim at wine shows across the country, including the James Halliday Trophy at the 2014 Melbourne Wine Awards (2013 Deer Farm Pinot Noir) and the Francois De Castella Trophy at the 2015 Melbourne Wine Awards for Best Young White Wine (2014 Coldstream Hills Reserve Chardonnay). In 2013, Coldstream Hills purchased the Deer Farm Vineyard.

Coldstream Hills’ suite of winemaking and viticultural techniques aims to express the individuality of the vineyards and showcase the pedigree of the Yarra Valley. With a focus on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Coldstream Hills also produces Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and sparkling wine.

Our winemaking philosophy is simple: express the individuality and nuance of each vineyard, and to craft wines which demonstrate the uniqueness and pedigree of the Yarra Valley. This winemaking philosophy is managed by a highly credentialed and experienced team, led by Senior Winemaker Andrew Fleming.

Our team of winemakers use a combination of modern and traditional techniques to build our outstanding and distinctive wines.

In the vineyard, all aspects of viticulture are managed with skill and precision. Such viticultural exactitude includes an emphasis on pruning techniques, shoot positioning, fruit thinning, and regular assessment of vineyards throughout the growing season.

Our winemakers are in constant dialogue with the vineyard team and our community of growers, all of which are crucial to the performance of the vineyards and quality of the fruit we use.

In the winery, our meticulous approach to winemaking continues. All batches are handled separately to allow close monitoring of the progress of each parcel: a minimal intervention approach is employed, allowing as much of the vineyard to be expressed in the wines; appropriate use of winemaking techniques to add complexity depending on the varying needs of the variety; and the careful use of high quality oak.