With a rich history steeped in Victoria's gold rush, Harcourt Valley and the surrounding townships are abundant with heritage sites. In addition to quaint towns, breweries and gourmet local produce, the region produces exquisite red wines – which are best enjoyed while admiring the stunning natural landscape, or fireside in the winter. Find out more about three standout producers below, and put their flagship wines on your 'to try' list.
Nestled in the beautiful Harcourt Valley, just two kilometres south of the Harcourt township and just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne, is BlackJack Wines. Since its first release in 1994, the BlackJack brand has established an enviable reputation for producing fine and generous red wines, twice winning Best Shiraz of the Royal Melbourne Wine Show. Named after a gold-seeking American sailor, the winery was established by the the McKenzie and Pollock families in 1988. In present day, BlackJack Vineyards offers a friendly welcome, a chance to taste some excellent award-winning, full-bodied reds and talk about grape-growing and winemaking in historic Central Victoria.
Flagship Wine: 2019 BlackJack Mr Ramoy Shiraz Cabernet
This bold and beautiful shiraz cabernet blend tends towards the spicy end of the flavour spectrum. A wine of has a of complexity, depth and length, deserving of its namesake – Santa Rosa Ramoy, aka Mr Blackjack.
3379 Harmony Way, Harcourt VIC | blackjackwines.com.au
Since reopening its cellar door last year, Sutton Grange has been offering a unique, seated tasting experience. The knowledgeable and passionate staff take you through nine wines, including the entire Fairbank range and three Estate releases. Wine tastings are $10 per person pre-paid with reservations are recommended. Desgined by winemaker Mel Chester, the programme highlights the unique selection of grape varieties originating from the Rhone Valley and Campania, and how these vines are perfectly suited to growing on the rolling foothills of Leanganook (Mount Alexander).The Cellar Door has previously hosted Melbourne restaurants Anchovy and Longrain, with plans to fire up the kitchen again come Summer.
Flagship Wine: 2018 Sutton Grange Estate Syrah
A nose fragrant with blue fruits, blackcurrants and violets. This wine has a palette of graphite and dark-chocolate powder, with a muscular, plush and generous drive.
44 Carnochan’s Road, Sutton Grange, VIC | suttongrange.com.au
While the Turners Crossing winery isn’t open to the public, visit nearby Bendigo and you’ll notice the name on many local wine lists – The Wine Bank, Borchellis, Masons, The Woodhouse and the Goldmines Hotel just to name a few. While you’re there, see the best of the city from a vintage tram and explore the gastronomic delights of Bendigo with a foodie tour, wine and dine within goldfields-era architecture and don’t leave without experiencing the latest Bendigo Art Gallery exhibition. Turners Crossing wines can also be purchased directly from the website, where you can sign up to the online Wine Club to stay in the know about new releases, news and offers.
Flagship Wine: 2018 Turners Crossing The Crossing Shiraz
Complex aromas of black fruit and spice. Intense flavours of black fruit, spice, cloves and olive on the palate, with oak characters giving the wine structure, power, balance and savoury richness.
747 Old Bridgewater-Serpentine Road, Serpentine, VIC | turnerscrossing.com.au
This article was produced in partnership with the featured wineries. Top image courtesy of Visit Victoria.
BlackJack Vineyards
Key Varieties: shirazNestled in the beautiful Harcourt Valley, just two kilometres south of the Harcourt township and just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne, is BlackJack Wines. Since its first release in 1994, the BlackJack brand has established an enviable reputation for producing fine and generous red wines, twice winning Best Shiraz of the Royal Melbourne Wine Show. Named after a gold-seeking American sailor, the winery was established by the the McKenzie and Pollock families in 1988. In present day, BlackJack Vineyards offers a friendly welcome, a chance to taste some excellent award-winning, full-bodied reds and talk about grape-growing and winemaking in historic Central Victoria.
Flagship Wine: 2019 BlackJack Mr Ramoy Shiraz Cabernet
This bold and beautiful shiraz cabernet blend tends towards the spicy end of the flavour spectrum. A wine of has a of complexity, depth and length, deserving of its namesake – Santa Rosa Ramoy, aka Mr Blackjack.
3379 Harmony Way, Harcourt VIC | blackjackwines.com.au
Sutton Grange Winery
Key Varieties: shiraz, fiano, aglianico and sangioveseSince reopening its cellar door last year, Sutton Grange has been offering a unique, seated tasting experience. The knowledgeable and passionate staff take you through nine wines, including the entire Fairbank range and three Estate releases. Wine tastings are $10 per person pre-paid with reservations are recommended. Desgined by winemaker Mel Chester, the programme highlights the unique selection of grape varieties originating from the Rhone Valley and Campania, and how these vines are perfectly suited to growing on the rolling foothills of Leanganook (Mount Alexander).The Cellar Door has previously hosted Melbourne restaurants Anchovy and Longrain, with plans to fire up the kitchen again come Summer.
Flagship Wine: 2018 Sutton Grange Estate Syrah
A nose fragrant with blue fruits, blackcurrants and violets. This wine has a palette of graphite and dark-chocolate powder, with a muscular, plush and generous drive.
44 Carnochan’s Road, Sutton Grange, VIC | suttongrange.com.au
Turners Crossing
Key Varieties: shiraz, sangiovese, grenacheWhile the Turners Crossing winery isn’t open to the public, visit nearby Bendigo and you’ll notice the name on many local wine lists – The Wine Bank, Borchellis, Masons, The Woodhouse and the Goldmines Hotel just to name a few. While you’re there, see the best of the city from a vintage tram and explore the gastronomic delights of Bendigo with a foodie tour, wine and dine within goldfields-era architecture and don’t leave without experiencing the latest Bendigo Art Gallery exhibition. Turners Crossing wines can also be purchased directly from the website, where you can sign up to the online Wine Club to stay in the know about new releases, news and offers.
Flagship Wine: 2018 Turners Crossing The Crossing Shiraz
Complex aromas of black fruit and spice. Intense flavours of black fruit, spice, cloves and olive on the palate, with oak characters giving the wine structure, power, balance and savoury richness.
747 Old Bridgewater-Serpentine Road, Serpentine, VIC | turnerscrossing.com.au
To discover more on Harcourt Valley, check our our essential guide.
This article was produced in partnership with the featured wineries. Top image courtesy of Visit Victoria.
