Cullarin Block 71

Dr Edgar Riek and Dr John Kirk were the first to plant vines in the Canberra District in 1971. Much later Edgar wrote, ‘Driving past Lake George, I noticed one spot on the escarpment that was always green, it had its own spring and was warmer in winter than anywhere else in the region. I thought it was the perfect place for my vineyard.’ He planted 3.9ha, initially naming the vineyard Cullarin, later Lake George Winery, in recognition of the shed he had built to process 10t of fruit. After he sold the property, another 1.4ha was planted in ‘98. Current owner Peter Wiggs also owns the Cote d’Or vineyard in Pokolbin and is the majority owner of Eden Road Wines. -JAMES HALLIDAY