Bendigo Wine Makers

Sandhurst Ridge Vineyard & Winery

Nestled against a state forest in rural Marong, the Sandhurst Ridge vineyard was first planted in 1990. Premium red wines are produced from the dominant varieties of shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. White wines of chardonnay and sauvignon blanc have been produced since 1999.

The small, family-owned and operated nature of the winery provides an opportunity for a relaxed cellar-door conversation with someone who has hands-on knowledge of the vines as well as the wines. Take time to bush-walk through the adjacent state forest teeming with wallabies, kangaroos and other native fauna, to the top of the ridge, where a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside is to be had.

The Wines

The climate of this area, featuring dry, warm summers and relatively frost-free winters has made it ideal for the production of the superb red wine grapes for which the Bendigo district is renowned.

From initial plantings of two hectares of shiraz and cabernet sauvignon vines, the vineyard has expanded to 7.5 hectares and now includes plantings of sauvignon blanc, merlot and nebbiolo.

In addition to the Sandhurst Ridge estate-grown and bottled wines, we also produce our “Fringe” range – a shiraz and a cabernet sauvignon – with grapes 100% sourced from the Bendigo region.

All wine production and bottling is done on-site. Our red wines are fermented in small, open vats, and are hand-plunged and basket-pressed. Then, they are maturated in French or American oak barriques. The result is truly hand-crafted wine of intense, fruit-driven flavour.

Award Winners

The first vintage, our 1995 Sandhurst Ridge Shiraz, was awarded five stars by Wine State magazine (March/April 1998 issue) and cited as “a complete wine with outstanding fruit and oak integration with ripe rich fruit, powerful oak and lovely tannins.” Succeeding vintages have been consistently awarded from four to five stars by Ralph Kyte-Powell of the Melbourne Age.

In his 2005 Wine Companion, James Halliday awarded Sandhurst Ridge a 5 star rating.

Cellar Door

Wednesday to Monday Noon to 5pm
Or by appointment (phone: 03 5435 2534)
Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday

Very attractive tasting Room with views of the vineyard, woodfire stove, and patio/picnic facilities.

Located just seventeen kilometres northwest of the centre of Bendigo, and three kilometres northeast of the Marong township.

Contact Sandhurst Ridge Vineyard & Winery