CIRCULUS
Circulus Wine is a boutique, family-run producer on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula, crafting cool-climate, maritime-influenced wines from its vineyard at Coatsworth Farm in Portarlington. Founded by John and Kim White, Circulus focuses on small-batch, estate-grown wines that express the distinctive coastal conditions of one of Victoria’s emerging premium wine destinations.
The Circulus story began after John White and his family acquired Coatsworth Farm following a major change in direction in 2020. Having grown up around the wine regions of South Australia and originally enrolled in oenology before pursuing a career in finance, John returned to his longstanding passion for wine and transformed the existing vineyard into the foundation of Circulus.
Located close to Port Phillip Bay, Corio Bay and the Southern Ocean, the vineyard experiences a strongly maritime climate. Persistent coastal winds moderate temperatures and extend the ripening period, helping the grapes retain natural acidity while developing flavour gradually. Circulus describes its vineyard as sitting between approximately 27 and 34 metres above sea level across gently undulating slopes.
The vineyard covers approximately 7.7 hectares and incorporates several different soil profiles. Some blocks feature loam over sandy and calcareous clay with deeper volcanic basalt, while others are characterised by well-drained sandy loam over sand and clay. These variations allow individual grape varieties and clones to be matched with different sections of the property.
Circulus specialises in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Fumé Blanc, alongside Rosé. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are particularly well suited to the vineyard’s cool maritime conditions, while Syrah and Cabernet Franc provide distinctive cool-climate red expressions.
Viticulture follows a biological and regenerative philosophy, with an emphasis on building soil health and biodiversity. Circulus uses compost, permanent multi-species cover crops and seasonal sheep grazing, while prioritising organic sprays and avoiding herbicides and insecticides. Pruning, shoot thinning, canopy management and harvesting are undertaken by hand.
The same restrained philosophy continues in the cellar. Fruit is hand harvested and produced in small batches with minimal intervention. Chardonnay and Fumé Blanc are wild fermented in barrel, while Pinot Noir, Syrah and Cabernet Franc undergo cold soaking and whole-berry fermentation in open-top fermenters before maturation in a combination of older and newer oak. The wines receive minimal additions, light filtration and no fining.
Circulus wines are designed to capture the cool-climate character of the Bellarine Peninsula rather than imitate established Old World styles. Pinot Noir can show vibrant red berries, florals and savoury spice, while Chardonnay combines fruit purity and natural acidity with the texture and complexity of barrel fermentation. Syrah and Cabernet Franc provide further expressions of the vineyard’s maritime terroir.
Although a relatively young label, Circulus has already attracted critical attention. Australian Wine Companion identifies John White as both winemaker and viticulturist and notes that the first Circulus-labelled vintage was 2023. The winery is also a certified member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia.
For drinkers exploring contemporary Victorian wine, Circulus offers an exciting expression of the Bellarine Peninsula and Geelong region, combining regenerative farming, small-batch production and a strong commitment to site-driven winemaking.
Shop Circulus Wine online at Wine More Cellars Australia. Discover Bellarine Peninsula Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Fumé Blanc with Australia-wide shipping.
