The wine world is so heavily influenced by our northern hemisphere cousins, it can be easy to overlook the fact that farming techniques have historically been developed in regions where vitis vinifera is natively found. As an introduced species to Australia, we have a unique opportunity to learn about our own land through our interactions with grapevines. We are fortunate in the Yarra Valley to be able to draw on the knowledge of the local Indigenous community of the Wurundjeri people who have lived and farmed this region for over 50,000 years. As we learn more about the history of the regions and soils we work with, we are able to drill deeper into the connection between vine and land, and better understand our sites within the context of each sub-region and the Yarra Valley as a whole.

Woori Yallock

Woori Yallock is home to Ferguson Vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The vineyard is 100-145 masl and is characterised by grey loamy clay soils with overlying siltstone. This site results in recognisable structure that sets wines up perfectly for extended aging.

Hoddles Creek

The Spear Gully Vineyard in Hoddles creek is our only site with volcanic red soils which are very deep with high nutrient load. The wines here are more open in structure with exquisite line and purity.

Gladysdale

Located south of Yarra Junction at an elevation of 202m the Little Yarra Vineyard at Gladysdale is one of the coolest areas, but the north-facing aspect of the site allows it to capture what is best described as pure sunlight. Grey loam, clay and mudstone soils, this site will continue to offer more perfume and structure as the vines mature.

Don Valley

A new project is located on the south facing slopes of Mt Toolebewong. Still in it’s establishment phase, we think this cool site has much potential for our Chenin Blanc and Nebbiolo that’s planted here in the future.

Yarra Junction

With the keys now in hand, Yarra Junction promises to be another site in helping mitigate climate change and to‘future proof’ Mac Forbes Wines. Still very much in the planning phase, we’ve got high hopes for the site into the future.