Henty, Victoria
Winemaker: Belinda Thomson
www.crawfordriverwines.com
Crawford River was established and planted in 1975 by John and Catherine Thomson, in far south-west Victoria. They were inspired by its potential to produce superior quality grapes after researching & experiencing many grape growing areas of the world. It was a relatively unexplored wine growing region and indeed remains merely a blot on the canvas. Although the area is now known as the GI of Henty.
Presiding over gently undulating grazing lands with sprawling forests in the distance, Crawford River has paved the way for the industry in what is traditionally a wool, beef and dairy region. The winery atop the hill and the vineyard hugging the slope nestle in the midst of a large sheep and cattle station that John’s great-grandfather settled in 1884.
Since the initial plantings in the mid 1970´s, there have been 2 more small plantings. Believing in the fine quality of the Semillon included in the original plantings, John and Catherine added another 0.7 Ha of the variety in the early 1990´s.
In 2000, another block of Riesling & Cabernet was added, which now produces the Young Vines Riesling & Rose wines. The cool southerly latitude together with the maritime environment, complex soil structure and favourable micro-climate create a terroir which has justified the initial vision.
Belinda Thomson, elder daughter of John and Catherine, returned home at the end of 2004 after completing her studies in Oenology and Viticulture and pursuing several vintages in various European locations. Between 2008 and 2014, Belinda divided her time between Spain and Australia, returning for the winemaking season each year and the all important blending. As of 2014 she has found her way home to be dedicated full time.
Presiding over gently undulating grazing lands with sprawling forests in the distance, Crawford River has paved the way for the industry in what is traditionally a wool, beef and dairy region. The winery atop the hill and the vineyard hugging the slope nestle in the midst of a large sheep and cattle station that John’s great-grandfather settled in 1884.
Since the initial plantings in the mid 1970´s, there have been 2 more small plantings. Believing in the fine quality of the Semillon included in the original plantings, John and Catherine added another 0.7 Ha of the variety in the early 1990´s.
In 2000, another block of Riesling & Cabernet was added, which now produces the Young Vines Riesling & Rose wines. The cool southerly latitude together with the maritime environment, complex soil structure and favourable micro-climate create a terroir which has justified the initial vision.
Belinda Thomson, elder daughter of John and Catherine, returned home at the end of 2004 after completing her studies in Oenology and Viticulture and pursuing several vintages in various European locations. Between 2008 and 2014, Belinda divided her time between Spain and Australia, returning for the winemaking season each year and the all important blending. As of 2014 she has found her way home to be dedicated full time.
