Toolangi Vineyards, Yarra Valley wines
VINEYARD
Located in the Yarra Valley approximately 48 kms North East of Melbourne at Dixon’s Creek, Toolangi Vineyards was named due to its position adjacent to the picturesque Toolangi State Forest.
The Hounsell family purchased the former cattle grazing property in early 1995 and planted the first 0.5 hectare of vines that December. Since 1995 further plantings have progressively occurred, with the property now being fully planted with some thirteen hectares under vine.
Toolangi’s vineyard site is ideally suited to the cultivation of high quality grapes as it is well drained with gentle slopes, all with a coveted north-easterly orientation. The soil is predominantly clay, covered by a thin layer of topsoil of shale and stone.
Over the past 20 years the Yarra Valley has developed an enviable reputation for its wines, particularly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. At Toolangi these classic varieties have been the focus along with Shiraz, and a smaller planting of Viognier.
Our yields are restricted to no more than 2.5 tonnes per acre in order to maximise quality. Heavy pruning and crop thinning are used to reduce the naturally higher yields that the Yarra Valley climate can produce. Lower yields result in fruit that has more flavours and complexities which enables the production of our premium quality wine.
The Yarra Valley's normally good rainfall is supplemented as required by drip irrigation during the growing season. This helps to ensure the vines avoid stress allowing for the production of premium fruit. When grapes are sourced from other vineyards in the Yarra Valley, our viticulturalist also supervises these vineyards to ensure the cultivation of premium quality fruit.
Our aim is to produce outstanding wines, a process which begins in the vineyard.
