The Silurian period, 430 million years ago

Near the top of the Majura Valley, just outside Canberra, Mount Majura Vineyard sits on soils shaped by an extraordinary geological history. Limestone formed around 430 million years ago during the Silurian Period, followed soon after by the volcanic rocks of Mount Majura. Movement along a fault through the valley has brought the two formations together, creating the distinctive combination of limestone and volcanic soils beneath the vines.

About 60,000 years ago

This is Ngunnawal Country. For tens of thousands of years, the Ngunnawal people have travelled through and cared for the Majura Valley, using it as a transit corridor and camping place. Artefacts from this history can still be found on the property. We acknowledge and respect the Ngunnawal people, their culture and their enduring connection to Country.

1988

In 1988, Dr Edgar Riek, one of the first to plant vines in the Canberra District in 1971, showed Dinny Killen of ‘Glenlyle’ a geological map identifying limestone on an east-facing slope. Seeing parallels with Burgundy’s Côte-d’Or, they planted the first hectare with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, along with Merlot — later discovered to be a field blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

1999

In 1999 and 2000, General Manager and Winemaker Frank van de Loo expands the vineyard to 9.3 hectares, with sufficient investment to make quality the sole focus.

The expansion also provided an opportunity to experiment with new grape varieties, with the aim of finding those best suited to expressing the unique Mount Majura terroir.

2006

A new winemaking facility and Cellar Door opens at the vineyard.

2015 to 2019

Mount Majura’s reputation for exceptional Tempranillo is firmly established. Mike Bennie of The Wine Front declared that “this could be the country’s best tempranillo yet”, while Huon Hook of The Real Review called Mount Majura “Australia’s leading tempranillo vineyard”.

2021

The addition of the Valley Block in 2021 expanded the vineyard to approximately 14 hectares, with new plantings including Mencía and Albariño, alongside increased plantings of Riesling and Tempranillo.

2023

Frank van de Loo passes responsibility for the vineyard to viticulturist James Hopper and Jimmy Watson Trophy-winning winemaker Jeremy Nascimben, marking a new chapter for Mount Majura Vineyard.