Caroline Hills

Helen and Terry Strickland started the ball rolling when they planted 100 cabernet sauvignon rootlings in 1988. The intention was to learn how to grow vines and make some wine for their own consumption. The original plan of a Bordeaux blend was soon abandoned with the realisation that the climate was far too cool; the present plantings are much more suited to the region. They walk around the red wine (other than pinot noir) problem by purchasing shiraz and merlot from Padthaway. Most of their own production is sold to larger wineries in Coonawarra, but they have established a winemaking facility in a disused shearing shed, and have expanded the facility with a barrel store and an underground cellar. The property has a large rambling country garden which is open from time to time as part of the Australia Open Garden Scheme. -JAMES HALLIDAY