Wollombi Wines is a family owned and operated boutique vineyard adjoining the historic village of Wollombi, and bordered by the beautiful Wollombi Brook. Come and enjoy a cellar door tasting. Relax in the picnic area or just talk to the cows.
Wollombi Brook begins life as Congewai creek in the Watagan Mountains and meanders through over 90 km of valleys to join the Hunter River near Singleton. We are privileged to share 1 km of its banks. The densely grown banks of the river provide a haven for a large range of wildlife.
The property today consists of
eight of the original allotments attached to the then
(1830's) growing Wollombi township. At times being used as
the town sports field, severe floods in the late 1880's put
an end to Wollombi's expansion and the land continued life
as farmland.
The land has seen numerous farming activities, from grain
crops, an orchard, sheep, cattle and for a time a dairy.
The property was acquired by the current owner's in 1992.
The first vines were planted in 1994 by the family with the
assistance of 'Nic' a local. All the vineyard work is
carried out by family members. The vineyard receives little
or no watering (none since 2004) and so yields are low,
usually around 2 tonnes per acre.
No insecticides are used by Wollombi Wines at the
vineyard.
Planting
The vineyard was planted by owners Peter and Allyson Hoft
and family (child slave labour they reckoned) with the
first planting in 1994. The first vines were planted as a
hobby. It then took on a life of its own. The family
developed the property over time and opened the cellar door
to the public in April 2008.
Picking
Usually occurs in late February and early March. At harvest
the bunches are selectively hand picked with one intent -
the best possible quality. Due to our huge bird population,
we net the vineyard prior to ripening, so we can happily
co-exist with the birds! For bird lovers (including us) the
count to date is 82 species.