Elmswood Estate

Jack and Vivian Howe had been the proud owners of Lot 73 – the vineyard adjacent to Elmswood – since 1999. In 2005 , Lot 75 (the original Elmswood Estate) became available for purchase and they jumped on the opportunity and amalgamated the two properties to form the current Elmswood Estate.

The purchase was anything but a spontaneous act: with a background in organic horticulture, Vivian realised that the slight differences in elevation and aspect of lot 75 would provide a more diverse source of fruit in their quest to craft the best wines possible, and thus lead to greater complexity in their wines.

Since then, we have embarked on a mission to craft premium, small batch wines of elegance, purity and complexity that accurately reflect their place.

Our efforts have not gone unnoticed and we have been thrilled at the recent recognition of our hard work. The Elmswood Estate 2010 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded “Best Cabernet Sauvignon” at the Yarra Valley Wine Show. The 2012 James Halliday Wine Companion Guide bestowed a coveted 5-star rating on the vineyard, and Elmswood Estate was named a top ten “Dark Horse Vineyard of 2013.”

The enjoyment of fine wine is a part of life at Elmswood Estate. The passion we have for tradition, our superior wine making craftsmanship and the particular care we devote to our small batch lots, all of these traits shine through in every vintage.

The first vines at Elmswood Estate were planted in 1981. At an altitude of more than 200m above sea level, the vineyard is nestled within a cool climate zone known as the “Upper Yarra Valley”. At these heights, the vineyard experiences a daily temperature variance of more than 20 degrees in summer, essential for producing intense, complex fruit flavours during the warmth of the day, while retaining natural, refreshing acidiy at night.

The soil here is a free-draining, deep red volcanic clay loam. The vines are dry-land farmed, meaning the roots extend deep into the ground, often more than three to four meters, where they source underground water without the need for irrigation.

All of our grapes are picked by hand and a lot of effort is put into canopy management – we prune them meticulously to produce low yields of one-and-a-half to two tonnes per acre. This ensures that our vines put all their energy and vigour into producing small berries with deep, intense and rich flavours.

The Elmswood Estate philosophy prizes small batch winemaking and respect for the individual terroirs within the vineyard. Our mission is to produce a terroir-driven wine of the highest possible quality from our impeccably farmed old vines, focusing on purity, balance, complexity, intensity and ageability.

With vines more than a generation in the making, our approach is steeped in tradition, but our winemaking benefits from modern innovation. Beginning with our 2014 vintage, all Elmswood Estate wines are 100% vinified and bottled on site in our newly updated winery featuring the very latest in winemaking technology.

– Gentle fruit handling, with hand-sorting and a state-of-the-art grape reception system

– Minimal fining and filtration

–  Finest French oak barrels

– Adoption of responsible, sustainable wine-growing practices, with reduced chemical inputs in the vineyard.

– We are exceptionally pleased to introduce to you our Winemaker, Mr. Han Tao Lau. Han has worked previously at some of the world’s most respected wineries in Australia and Europe, including several iconic vineyards in France, Germany, and the Yarra Valley. He was the Dux of the Australian Wine Research Institute’s Advance Wine Assessment Course in 2011, and also judges regularly at wine shows.

Located just an hour’s short ride outside Melbourne, we are a boutique vineyard and winery nestled in the Upper Yarra Valley, filled with lovely gardens, manicured lawns, nearly 20 acres of vineyards, and some of the most breathtaking views in the Yarra Valley.

We are focused on growing and making small lots of lovingly crafted, delightful wines that express as purely as possible the stunning sites they are grown in, including Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and a small amount of Shiraz.

Here, you will find one of the most relaxing, tranquil and romantic settings Australia has to offer. You can also learn more about the Yarra Valley and our unique approach to grapegrowing and fine winemaking.

We would love to have you by for a tasting! Please check our schedule for wine tasting times. We are happy to accommodate group tastings by booking, contact us today to arrange your tasting party.

Elmswood Estate is also a gorgeous and memorable setting for your wedding, celebration or special event. Please visit our weddings page to find out how Elmswood Estate is perfect for brides & grooms looking for the ultimate romantic wedding, or our special events page for your special celebration or corporate event.