Thirty Years, Thirty Wines!
This year, Heathcote Winery reaches two important milestones. Thirty years ago, owners Denise and Stephen Wilkins purchased Heathcote Winery from the founding owners. 2026 also marks the release of the thirtieth vintage of the iconic Mail Coach Shiraz.
Innovation has been the hallmark of the development of Heathcote Winery.
From its humble beginnings, to being recognised as one of Heathcote’s leading producers, every step on the journey, from the production of grapes through to final product is rooted in change and has the passionate handprint of the whole Heathcote Winery team. Over these thirty years, the couple have successfully led the winery, guiding it to become the iconic Heathcote wine producer, and reputable brand it is today.
Notable wines now include the Slaughterhouse Paddock Shiraz, made from gnarly 1960’s vines on the floodplains of McIvor Creek in central Heathcote, and flagship label The Wilkins Shiraz, made only when vineyard conditions align to produce an unrivalled Shiraz.
From the release of the maiden vintage in 1996, the Mail Coach brand is now widely recognized as a quintessential Heathcote Shiraz. Splashed with a hint of Viognier derived from one of the earliest plantings in Australia, the wine delivers an elegance and subtlety which is distinctly ‘Heathcote Winery’.
The Mail Coach Shiraz is the wine Denise and Steve Wilkins are most proud of, laying the foundation which has helped develop their range. While these dual thirtieth year milestones are truly worthy of celebration, the journey continues, with Rosé, Vermentino, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon joining the Heathcote Winery’s stable of wines, showcasing the diverse potential of the region.
