The Nicholson River Winery is a small pioneering enterprise in East Gippsland. It is situated between Bairnsdale, gateway to the Lakes and Wilderness area of East Gippsland, and Lakes Entrance, one of the most popular holiday destinations and Australia's largest fishing port. Perched on a gentle rise overlooking the magnificant Gippsland lakes, Australia's largest inland waterway to the south, and the High Country to the North and West, the winery boasts outstanding views of the Nicholson River with it's surrounding hills and bushland.
2.5 hectares of vines were originally planted as a hobby in 1978 by the owners, Ken and Juliet Eckersley, with the enthusiastic assistance of friends and family. As the vines grew, and the first miniscule vintages were produced, it became obvious the gravelly loam soils and mild maritime climate combined to produce some remarkable wines characterised by fragrant aromas, intense flavours and complexity on the palate with lingering finishes. In particular, Chardonnay has the longest ripening period in the world (160-180 days) for a dry style.
In 1985, the Nicholson River Winery was officially established with further plantings over the following years to an area of approximately 8 hectares. The premium wine grape varities of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir comprise most of the vineyard with smaller plantings of Semillon, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet Suavignon.
Winemaker, Ken, with a background in science and social work, has studied viticulture and wine-making at Charles Sturt University and in France. He is passionate about making carefully crafted flavoursome wines that compliment a variety of cuisines, and readily shares his enthusiasm with visitors at tastings and at cellar door.
The Nicholson River Chardonnay,
acknowledged as one of Australia's most complex and opulent wines, was voted "most popyular white wine" at the Victorian Winemakers Exhibition for 7 consecutive years, and has established the winery's reputation as a producer of premium quality wines, including classical multi-layered Pinot Noir, dry botrytised Semillon and barrel-fermented Riesling.
The wines are much sought after both in Australia and overseas, and can be purchased direct from the winery, in select retail outlets and restaurants in Gippsland and some capital cities.
"Montview" is the original name of the house going back to the 1880's when it was built using red gum grown on the property. Hence, "Montview" was chosen as the name for the main range of wines.
"Nicholson River" wines are the reserve 'five star' wines.
