Heathcote's distinctive red soils lie over calcareous sodic clay and are called Cambrian Greenstones. Cool south-easterly winds through the Mt Camel Range make Heathcote cooler than nearby Bendigo in summer. Shiraz is deep, rich and velvety, with dark cherry-plum fruit, fine ripe tannins and strong ageing ability. Cabernet Sauvignon is rich and generous, with blackberry and sometimes eucalyptus-mint character. The red Cambrian soils also support Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Riesling and Viognier.
Continue through the region
Elsewhere in Victoria
- Grampians1 producerGrampians is a Western Victoria region with a Mediterranean climate cooled by the Southern Ocean. Shiraz ranges from silky red-cherry and plum styles to concentrated, spicy wines, while Riesling shifts from tropical lime in warmer years to a reserved, toasty character in cooler vintages.
- Mornington PeninsulaNo producers listed yetEvery Mornington Peninsula vineyard site is within seven kilometres of the ocean. Pinot Noir ranges from delicate cherry-strawberry wines to richer site expressions, while Chardonnay typically shows melon, citrus and fig.
- Murray Darling4 producersMurray Darling spans north-west Victoria and western New South Wales along the Murray River. Its hot, sunny, low-humidity growing season relies on irrigation, and its Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon are soft, sweet-fruited wines for drinking within one to two years.
- Rutherglen4 producersRutherglen is known for sweet, concentrated fortified wines made from Muscat and Muscadelle. Its Durif is ripe and spicy, with balance and ageing potential. Warm days, cool nights and long dry autumns shape the growing season, with spring frost remaining a risk.
- Yarra Valley7 producersYarra Valley's elevation and the direction its slopes face create varied growing conditions. Pinot Noir is generally light to medium-bodied, with plum, strawberry and cherry flavours. Chardonnay often shows white peach, melon and fig, while modern Shiraz styles tend towards freshness.
Producers in Heathcote
Producer profiles
- Fowles WineFamily owned Fowles Wine in Avenel, with Strathbogie granite vineyard history and Ginger Prince sparkling rosé, white and Moscato.
- McPherson WinesA family-owned Victorian winery since 1968, McPherson Wines pairs Central Victorian fruit with Jo Nash’s small-batch cellar work.
- TahbilkA Victorian winery established in 1860, with working historic cellars and wines from Marsanne, Sangiovese and Shiraz.