Landsborough Valley Estate

Landsborough Valley Estate originated in 1963, when civil engineering contractor Wal Henning was engaged to undertake work at Chateau Remy (now Blue Pyrenees). He was so impressed with the potential of the region for viticulture that he began an aerial search for sites with close friend Geoff Oliver. Their first choice was not available; they chose a site (which is now Taltarni), developing 40ha. Taltarni was then sold, and the pair (with Geoff's brother Max) moved on to establish Warrenmang Vineyard. When it, too, was sold the pair was left without a vineyard, but in 1996 they were finally able to purchase the property they had identified 33 years previously, which is now partly given over to Landsborough Valley Estate and partly to the Glen Kara vineyard. They established shiraz (12ha), cabernet sauvignon (4ha), chardonnay and pinot noir (2ha each), but in 2009 the property was sold to M. Chapoutier Australia. In a transition phase the existing wine stocks will be sold by the outgoing partners. -JAMES HALLIDAY