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History and Significance of Mount Mary
Mount Mary, located in the heart of the Yarra Valley, is a family-owned, single vineyard estate with a rich history and immense significance in Australian winemaking. Established in 1971 by John and Marli Middleton, it holds the distinction of being one of the pioneering vineyards in the resurgence of the Yarra Valley as a premium wine-producing region.
Inspired by the Swiss Settlers
The idea to plant vines in the Yarra Valley was inspired by the Swiss settlers of the 1850s. These immigrants, influenced by the French wine producers, recognized the climatic parallels between the Yarra Valley and Bordeaux and Burgundy. Their influence planted the seed for a new era of winemaking in the region.
A Passion for French Premium Wines
Driven by their passion for fine table wine, John and Marli Middleton embarked on numerous visits to renowned wine-producing regions around the world, with a particular focus on Bordeaux and Burgundy. Captivated by the elegance and finesse of French premium wines, they envisioned producing similar wines in Australia, following in the footsteps of the Swiss settlers. Guided by Colin Preece, Senior Winemaker at Seppelts Great Western, who believed Australia had yet to produce a refined and elegant Cabernet, John set out to make this vision a reality.
The Discovery of Mount Mary
In 1971, serendipity led John and Marli to stumble upon the property now known as Mount Mary. The north-facing slope, perfectly situated and remarkably untouched by vines, immediately captured their attention as the ideal site for their endeavor. Planting commenced in 1972, and today, Mount Mary boasts 40 acres of vineyards encompassing 18 different varieties.
Premium Wines Embracing Tradition
Mount Mary's portfolio comprises four estate wines that embody the rich traditions of Bordeaux and Burgundy. Two blends, Quintet and Triolet, reflect the Bordeaux style, while Pinot Noir and Chardonnay represent the essence of Burgundy. These wines showcase the craftsmanship and dedication to excellence that define Mount Mary.
A Commitment to Quality and Sustainability
With a loyal clientele on their private mailing list and a national distribution network, Mount Mary remains committed to producing wines of exceptional quality. All the wines are crafted from estate-grown fruit and meticulously produced and bottled on-site, ensuring full control over every step of the winemaking process.
Mount Mary's philosophy revolves around self-containment in all aspects of their operations, a principle that has been central to their identity since day one. Looking toward the future, the winery aims to achieve self-sufficiency in energy and water, while minimizing their environmental impact through revegetation and weed control.
Environmental Stewardship
More than half of Mount Mary's land area is dedicated to non-wine production purposes, prioritizing the health and sustainability of the property. With the goal of being self-sufficient in energy and water, the winery continues to make progress toward these objectives. Initiatives include reticulation of harvested water supplies, modernizing winery wastewater management, improving energy efficiency, and engaging in extensive revegetation efforts to attract native species.
While not certified biodynamic or organic, Mount Mary demonstrates a keen interest in soil health and environmental improvement. Through sustainable viticultural practices such as composting, organic fertilization, mulching, and minimizing the use of machinery, they strive to maintain a healthy and robust ecosystem for their vineyards, ensuring the continual evolution of their wines.
Join Mount Mary's Journey
Experience the rich history, dedication to quality, and commitment to sustainability at Mount Mary. Explore our collection of premium wines, crafted with passion and precision. Join the Concierge Club to stay connected and be a part of our journey.
