Bendigo Wine Makers

Passing Clouds

In 1973 Graeme Leith and Sue Mackinnon planted the first vines at Passing Clouds near Kingower in central Victoria which offers an ideal growing climate for premium red wine.

Low rainfall and no irrigation combined with well drained deep soil produce small, intensely flavoured berries.

Surrounded by State Park, many people are astonished to find a vineyard here at all. But when Sue and Graeme discovered the site 25 years ago they knew it was what they were looking for.

Planted along the seasonal Kingower Creek on deserted gold diggings the soil is rich, alluvial and fertile. 5 hectares are under vine with shiraz and cabernet sauvignon the main varieties planted, this is red wine country first and foremost.

Other varieties planted include Pinot Noir, Grenache, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay. Additional fruit is sourced from neighbours who have put in small plots of vines.

The Passing Clouds vineyard and incidentally the neighbours' vineyards are all rain dependent. While having no source of water in the earlier years put a lot of stress on establishing vines, the 25 year old vines have established deep tap roots which help them survive in dry years.

So well in fact, we have had to convert one Shiraz block to Scott Henry to counteract the high vigour of the site. There are now three different trellised blocks of Shiraz: Lyre, Vertical Shoot Positioning and Scott Henry.

Cellar Door

Open by appointment only.

The cellar door at Passing Clouds is built from recycled materials from the former Logan Mechanics Hall and the shop front of the old Inglewood undertaker. It exudes character and charm and nestled amongst gnarly old vines is a picturesque setting for wine tasting.

Kingower, 11Km west of Inglewood.

Head west from Bendigo through Marong, Bridgewater to Inglewood, left 11Km to Kingower.

Contact Passing Clouds