WANTIRNA ESTATE

Wantirna Estate, established in 1963 by Reg and Bertina Egan, holds the distinction of being the first of the new-generation vineyards in Victoria’s Yarra Valley. This initiative marked a pivotal moment in reviving the region’s winemaking heritage, which had been dormant since the early 20th century. 

The Egans drew inspiration from the small domaines and châteaux of Burgundy and Bordeaux, focusing on single-vineyard, terroir-driven wines. Their initial plantings included a variety of grapes, but they eventually concentrated on classic varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. Notably, many of the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot vines from the original 1963 plantings continue to produce fruit, contributing to the depth and complexity of their wines.   

Today, the Egans’ daughter, Maryann, serves as the chief winemaker, bringing her expertise and passion to the family business. The estate maintains a boutique scale, with an annual production of fewer than 1,000 cases, allowing for meticulous attention to detail in both viticulture and winemaking. This dedication has earned Wantirna Estate a 5-star rating from the Halliday Wine Companion, reflecting its status among the elite wineries of the Yarra Valley.   

The wines are named after the Egans’ granddaughters, adding a personal touch to their offerings. For example, the “Isabella” Chardonnay is renowned for its balance and purity, reflecting the character of the estate’s old vines.