"Our Vineyards"

Pokolbin Estate Vineyard was first planted in 1970 comprising of the Hunters more traditional wine varieties such as Shiraz, Semillon and Riesling grapes and was developed to showcase true varietal character. Our sister Vineyard was planted some time later in 1999 and not conforming to the tradition styles elected to propagate wine varieties with a more  Mediterranean influence such as Tempranillo, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo,

David and Margaret Ellsworth planted the current vineyard at McDonalds Road in 1970, with the aim of producing true varietal wines, which has continued to the present day. Original planting’s included Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Semillon, and Riesling. Of these, the Shiraz, Semillon and Riesling survive.

The soils vary from heavy red clay, which struggles to produce any form of plant life, to a more fertile brown alluvial soil on the lower part of the property along Middle Creek. Shiraz is planted on the clay, while Semillon and Riesling are planted on the alluvial soils.

In 1999, we planted our popular Mediterranean varieties including Tempranillo, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo on our Vineyard.This is an elevated, exposed site and slopes away steeply towards the West at the base of the Brokenback Mountain Range.

The soils are light clay with a large amount of rocks over a shallow limestone base, which naturally provides excellent drainage. Fossilized seashells can be collected from the surface, with many examples of larger creatures also found.