About Us
The Vineyard
ESTABLISHED: 1995 ELEVATION: 450-485 m Area: 38 Ha / 94 Acres SOIL PROFILES: Granite, Sandy Loam, Volcanic Loam VARIETIES: Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Shiraz
Planted in 1995, Glenhope Vineyard was first established as a site to grow Bordeaux varieties. Under new custodians, the vineyard has been nurtured as a top, cool climate, grower vineyard. And for the 2022 vintage, they have selected fruit for their own label to tell the story of the vineyard.
At 94 acres under vine, it is the region’s biggest vineyard. It is planted to Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz. The soil profile extends from granitic at the elevated end of the site, to sandy loam, and an ironstone rich, volcanic loam along the eastern ridge.
The site is 450-485 metres above sea level with a sloping, mostly east-facing aspect. The cool site has large diurnal temperature range that means slow ripening with long ‘hangtime’ during the growing season, which stretches well into May. Since it’s in the north of the region, stable, ‘continental’ climate influence encourages optimal fruit ripeness, acid retention, and phenolic maturity.
Since James and Marlin Gevergizian bought the property in 2021, the core focus has been to improve the productivity and sustainability of the vineyard, making infrastructure upgrades, improving soil health, vine health, and water security. All to allow the natural assets of the vineyard be fully expressed.
Each vintage, Glenhope Vineyard will release small batches of single vineyard wines to showcase the harvest.
The Vigneron
Scott Harrington had managed viticulture at the site since 2018. When James and Marlin Gevergizian bought the property in 2021, they retained him as Vigneron.
Scott has worked to improve the infrastructure, soil, and vine health, improve water security, and take best advantage of the altitude, aspect, topography, and granitic, volcanic, and sandy loam soils. He is driven to ‘let the vineyard tell the story.’
Over the past 25 years, Scott Harrington studied Viticulture and Oenology and has worked in Central Victoria, Yarra Valley, Hunter Valley, and Macedon Ranges, with stints at wine domains across Europe. Winemaking mentors Paul Bridgeman and Steve Weber helped shape his minimal intervention practices in the winery; let the vineyard express itself, aided by careful nurturing and observation.
‘My core philosophy is to let the vineyard tell the story. I want to grow a healthy, sustainable vineyard and make wines that allow people to experience this place. Minimal intervention, as little artifice as possible, and allowing its character to be expressed. What is satisfying is letting the vineyard do the talking, so people can enjoy what is unique about the site and season.’
– Scott Harrington
The Custodians
In 2021, James and Marlin Gevergizian went in search of a rural retreat in the Macedon Ranges to retire from their busy lives in Melbourne. When they found Glenhope Vineyard, and it was love at first sight and a new chapter began. With an entrepreneurial background and a strong work ethic, James and Marlin have jumped into the wine industry, boots and all.
‘Our vision is for Glenhope Vineyard to be recognised as a premium grower vineyard and destination in the Macedon Ranges. And we want our legacy for the next generation of vignerons to be the thoughtful development of a site that is valued for its beautiful aspect, outstanding fruit, and as a top producer in the region.’
– James and Marlin Gevergizian, Owners.
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