Southern Light Vineyards

Ghostgum Vineyard is planted on a gentle, east-facing slope in Main Ridge, one of the highest elevation growing areas of the Mornington Peninsula. Here we farm 5.5 hectares of mature Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines. Our first vintage at Ghostgum came from the 2021 season.

The vineyard soils are red ferrosols – deep, friable, and porous red soils that can also retain enough water to avoid having to use irrigation. These soils are basalt derived where the odd ‘buckshot’ chunk of ironstone can still be found.

Established: 1990

Aspect: east

Elevation: 174m

Soils: red volcanic loam

Size: 5.5ha

Yield: appx 3 tonnes p/ha

First vintage: 2021

Diverse aspects, elevations, and vine age together define Seven Slopes of Rising Vineyard. We select the finest parcels of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from 20 hectares of vines planted in the high reaches and ancient soils of the Nillumbik Shire. Our first vintage at Seven Slopes of Rising came from the 2024 season and will be released in 2026.

The soils are derived from ancient marine sediments. The weathering of this ancient basement has resulted in a thin veneer of skeletal duplex soils. A high proportion of bedrock fragments ensure excellent texture and a small proportion of clay provides just enough water holding capacity.​

Established: 1984

Aspect: east, west, north, south

Elevation: 240m

Soils: grey clay loam

Size: 20ha

Yield: appx 6 tonnes p/ha

First vintage: 2024

Lightfall Vineyard is planted on the slopes surrounding our winery in Healesville. This west facing site is home to 10 hectares of vines, of which, a single block of Chardonnay planted in 1984 stands out. Our first vintage at Lightfall came from the 2024 season and will be released in 2026.

These soils offer an ideal balance of water retention and drainage, ensuring steady vine growth while preserving the delicate acidity and structure essential for high quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The interplay between fine clay particles and organic matter enhances the soil’s ability to hold and release nutrients, promoting balanced vine growth.

Established: 1980

Aspect: west

Elevation: 125m

Soils: yellow clay loam

Size: 10ha

Yield: appx 5 tonnes p/ha

First vintage: 2024

Dawn Chorus is 28km south of our Healesville winery, set among the luscious green hills of Yarra Junction. This part of the Upper Yarra is home to some of the highest elevations and coolest sites in the Yarra Valley. We planted this vineyard from scratch on a site never before planted to vines, selecting it specifically for its potential to produce exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. From day one, we took a no-compromise approach with every decision guided by our commitment to quality. 20 blocks planted to 10 clones will give us exciting options for the future. We expect our first crop from Dawn Chorus for Southern Light Vineyards will be the 2027 vintage.

A top layer of sandy loam sits above light to medium clay, creating an ideal balance between drainage and water retention. This structure allows vines to access essential moisture and nutrients while naturally limiting excessive vigor, promoting the development of high-quality grapes.

Established: 2021

Aspect: east

Elevation: 176m

Soils: grey clay loam

Size: 18ha

Yield: appx 6 tonnes p/ha

First vintage: 2027

"It's the Dawn Chorus.

A little fairy dust.

A thousand tiny birds singing.

If you could do it all again.

It's the last chance.

This time in style."

Dawn Chorus song by Thom York. 2019