The Mount Majura Vineyard covers 9 hectares and is situated on an outcrop of red soil on the north-eastern slopes of Mount Majura, just 11 kilometres from the centre of Canberra, Australia’s capital.
The site was first identified by Edgar Riek, a pioneer of the Canberra wine district, who noticed the presence of limestone. He correctly predicted that this small patch of red soil facing the morning sun could produce unique wines. Our vines were planted in 1988, making Mount Majura the first vineyard within the ACT.
The Canberra Wine District is quite large and has a range of mesoclimates. Our vineyard is situated very close to Canberra itself, sloping from an altitude of between 660m to 700m. Combined with south-easterly through north-easterly aspects, the altitude is cool but able to ripen later varieties such as Shiraz.
Our vineyard’s soils are unique among vineyards in the Canberra District due to its location on the slopes of Mount Majura which is of volcanic origin. They are red clay loam soils rich in iron and contain limestone as well as the volcanic rhyolite, some of which is is high enough in iron minerals (magnetite) that pebbles act as magnets. The clay content and limestone base mean that, for established vines, irrigation is used as a tool to maximise quality, not yield. Having this unique site, our winemaking philosophy is clearly centred on expressing this terroir.
Mount Majura Vineyard is owned by a partnership of wine enthusiasts and has been expanded considerably from the original planting. We have just opened the new cellar door, and the "future winery" in the pic above is now complete! If you would like to be kept informed about the vineyard, please join our mailing list.