The vineyards in the area around the city of Ararat originated in the 1860's after the demise of the gold rush. The establishment of the 14 hectare Montara Vineyard (named after Mt Ararat in Western Victoria) on the McRae family's 30 hectare property preceded the re-emergence of Victoria as a prestigious table wine production region.
In 1970, the McRaes established their Montara Vineyard on the eastern slopes of Mount Chalambar, a site chosen for its frost free location at an elevation of 350 metres above sea level, high enough for cool nights to extend the ripening season of the grapes and thus building complexity of flavour. |
The rich red loam soils over a shale base contribute to the consistently high quality fruit. The vineyard and winery have a glorious view with rolling foothills in the foreground leading on to the distant Pyrenees mountain range The total vineyard area under vine today is 18.9ha.
In 2006 the Stapleton family purchased the vineyard and surrounding property. Today Leigh Clarnette is Chief Winemaker. |
