Wirruna Estate

John and Sandra Woodhouse have established 1.5ha of each of shiraz, durif and marsanne on the banks of Lake Hume. The varieties were chosen because of their compatibility with the hot, dry summers, while the Wirruna name is an Aboriginal word for the sunset depicted on the labels. Son-in-law Manfred Walch works as assistant winemaker during vintage, and John, Sandra and Manfred work on the property in a part-time capacity for most of the year. Picking, done over three weekends, is a family and friends affair. -JAMES HALLIDAY