Ask anyone across the Yarra Valley wine region and they will likely say the same thing: normal vintages no longer exist. The 2020 Yarra Valley vintage proved exactly that.

There was no clear reference point throughout the growing season. Varieties ripened out of sequence, weather patterns shifted constantly and significant weather events arrived at the worst possible moments.

From flowering through to harvest, the vineyard faced challenges from every direction.

A Difficult Vintage in the Vineyard

The 2020 season brought disrupted flowering, increased disease pressure and difficult harvest conditions across the Yarra Valley.

As a result, yields were dramatically reduced. In the end, we harvested less than half the volume of grapes we would normally expect.

Some varieties performed better than others. However, overall, it was a vintage that tested experience, instinct and adaptability in the vineyard.

Quality Over Quantity

Despite the challenges, the 2020 Yarra Valley vintage also delivered something unexpectedly promising.

Lower yields often lead to greater concentration, intensity and vibrancy in the finished wines. In many cases, the reduced crop levels helped produce wines with impressive character and depth.

While the season was unpredictable and unforgiving, it also reinforced the resilience of both vineyard and winemaking teams.

Looking Ahead to the Wines

The 2020 vintage may have challenged every assumption, but we are proud of the wines that emerged from it.

These wines reflect not only the conditions of the season, but also the patience, adaptability and care required to guide a difficult vintage through to completion.

We look forward to sharing the results with you soon.