The Mornington Peninsula climate has changed little since Miocene times. Fossil evidence shows that when the pre Older Volcanics climate (evidence of which is found from leaves below the old lava flow) to the north of the Peninsula (Flinders) poured out, it was not greatly different to the present. Hence, the cool maritime climate of the Peninsula is blessed with a stable benign climate in most years.

Paul and Caroline spent several years extensively researching the various mesoclimates (which consists of topoclimate and site climate and is different to microclimate which is more vine specific) offered by the Peninsula until coming across a near derelict apple and cherry orchard.

It was originally planted in the early 1900’s and tucked away in gentle rolling hills half way between Port Phillip Bay and Westernport. The old orchard site is part of a ridge system that climbs up to Red Hill and spectacularly at Authurs’ Seat.

The northeast-facing hillside site offers the perfect combination of land aspect, soil type and microclimate to slowly grow and ripen grapes to create exceptional wines. The site itself offers a range of specific microclimates, which have been carefully studied to determine how the vineyards would be planted.