1. Home
  2.  | 
  3. Heathcote Wineries
  4.  | Munari Wines
Munari Wines
Munari Wines

 

 

 

“With something for every palate, Munari Wines is a must-visit destination for wine lovers.”

Munari Wines
Munari Wines

Munari Wines

Munari Wines

Munari Wines is a vineyard built on passion, family and a rich history. Adrian & Deborah Munari are just the fourth owners of the historic property which was established in 1871 by the family of Major Robert Morris, a military man from Scotland. His son Andrew Robert built the homestead which was licenced as a hotel and named The Iona Hotel, it has since evolved into Munari Wines, preserving a legacy while embracing a bright future. Retaining fifty-seven acres of its original land, the winery sits in the picturesque rural town of Heathcote, offering visitors a tranquil escape to enjoy exceptional wines and local cuisine.

With 7.2 hectares under-vine, Munari Wines produces a wide range of wines each year. While traditionally specialising in shiraz – pouring three distinct styles, including the highly acclaimed 95-point Ladys Pass Shiraz – the winery has also gained recognition for its award-winning white wines, such as vermentino and garganega. A highly awarded winery, Munari Wines boasts an impressive list of accolades, including the 2019 Veneto Garganega winning Wine of Show at the 2019 Heathcote Wine Show and the 2023 winning Best White Wine more recently. Additionally, the 2022 Next Chapter Sangiovese earned the Chairs Trophy, while the Ladys Pass ,the estates signature wine, has consistently received 95 points in the Halliday Wine Companion across multiple years.

Adrian and Debroah Munari purchased the property in late 1992 after living in Melbourne’s inner north, and by 1993, they had established Munari Wines. Over the last thirty-two years, they have transformed the business from serving a single ‘dry red’ out of a repurposed grain shed into an exceptional wine tasting destination. Today, the Cellar Door is managed by daughter, India Munari, where visitors can enjoy a diverse selection of white, red and dessert wines in the beautifully renovated stables, which now also serve coffee and meals seven days a week.

What makes Munari Wines truly special is its heritage and unique setting. Wine tastings take place in what was once the property’s original stables. Guests can choose to enjoy their wine indoors or outside, surrounded by towering gum trees and sprawling vineyards. A charming courtyard, complete with private lounge and seating areas, provides the perfect spot to relax. While the vineyard was originally founded on shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and merlot, a recent grafting project has replaced merlot with sangiovese, expanding their offerings to include award-winning whites, rosé and dessert wines. With something for every palate, Munari Wines is a must-visit destination for wine lovers.

Tasting Notes

Munari Wines
⇐ 2024 Il Fresco Vermentino

A vibrant and fruit-driven wine hinting at apple blossom, lime, lemon skin, grapefruit and fresh-cut green apple. Fresh and lively, boasting high energy acidity, it is the perfect accompaniment to oysters and seafood.

2021 ‘Next Chapter’  Sangiovese
⇐ 2022 Next Chapter Sangiovese

Rich and dense with classic sour cherry characteristics this wine packs a punch but is wrapped up with trademark Munari elegance. A generous mouthfeel is enhanced by the light use of oak creating a rounded wine with beautifully textured tannins.

2018 ‘Ladys Pass’ Shiraz
⇐ 2021 Ladys Pass Shiraz

The signature wine of the estate, this shiraz is perfumed and velvety in texture. It has an intense dark colour where ripe fruits of black cherry and plum gather on the bouquet. An equally dark collection of anise and nutmeg spices create complexity. This wine is intrinsically elegant and well balanced.

2018 India Red Cabernet Sauvignon
⇐ 2018 India Red Cabernet Sauvignon

Named after India Munari, daughter of the owners and general manager, this medium bodied example of Heathcote cabernet surprises many. Loaded with classic blackcurrant, black cherry, spiced plums, bush mint and briar. Neatly encased in fine, savoury tannins.

Munari Wines Logo

VISITOR’S GUIDE

 

Getting There
1129 Northern Highway,
Ladys Pass

Contact Details
Tel: 0401 650 817
Email: munariwines@bigpond.com
Website: www.munariwines.com

Cellar Door
Open from 11am seven days a week.

Restaurant
Yes – charcuterie boards and gourmet pizza
Open 11am-3:30pm seven days a week

Weddings & Functions
Yes – eighty-five seated and 300 standing

Accommodation
No

Additional Features
A family and pet-friendly winery, offering a selection of coffee, beer and soft drinks