Named after the nearby flour mill and established in 1974, Water Wheel Vineyards has remained a hidden gem for many years. Since Peter Cumming purchased the property in 1989, Water Wheel Vineyards has quietly been polishing its pristine reputation to perfection. Nestled in the heart of Bendigo, Water Wheel Vineyards’ sprawling 600-hectare property reaps the benefits of the renowned soils the region has to offer.

Acquiring Water Wheel Vineyards as a fresh face to viticulture, Cumming’s vision was to capture as much flavour as possible, in every single drop. After the remarkable success of its early wines, Cumming continues to hone his techniques – paying meticulous attention to the natural environment and yielding the best possible results.

Celebrating the fertile soils, Water Wheel Vineyards gives its vines ample space to thrive under its immaculate guidance and care. With more than forty years of experience, Water Wheel Vineyards has an astute understanding of the soil needed to produce exquisite white and red wines. White grapes are grown on light, well drained soils while red grape vines are grown on heavier soils with a clearly defined heavy clay subsoil, granting the wines intricate definition.

Specialising in an exceptional range of red and white wines alike; from sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, viognier, shiraz, cabernet, malbec, grenache, primivito, and ancellotta, with all wines hailing from Water Wheel Vineyards’ beautifully kept grounds. Despite a generous array of wines to suit all preferences, Water Wheel Vineyards’ pièce de résistance is its vibrant assortment of shiraz.

Adapting to the far-reaching impacts of climate change, Water Wheel Vineyards has gone against the historic advice of not picking grapes early and chooses to pick its grapes five to six weeks earlier than the 1990s, ensuring the palate remains as vibrant and enduring as the Water Wheel Vineyards wines have become regarded for. Water Wheel Vineyards takes pride in staying true to the traditional style of wine production, recognising that very little needs to be changed in the process to produce delectable wines.

Underneath the beautiful winery lies Water Wheel Vineyards’ cellar, which houses more than 500 barrels of wine. Offering a large range of varietals, Water Wheel Vineyards only produce smaller volume varietals in good years to ensure every wine produced is upheld to its impeccable standards.