Nicholson River Winery
Award winning wines from the beautiful Gippsland Lakes and Rivers Region of Victoria, Australia.
We are Ken and Juliet Eckersley, and we have been crafting quality wines on our property at Nicholson for over 30 years.
Since the beginning, our aim has been to create Euporean styled Australian wines that reflect the intense flavours unique to the area. The extensive range of wines is ideal for people wanting more than the mainstream can offer, and are great with food.
Visit our Cellar Door for a tasting and a chat! We have a picnic area that is ideal for enjoying lunch or a snack over-looking the lovely Nicholson River while the kids play in the playground.
Cheese platters now available at Cellar Door! Bookings appreciated.
See our wine list
Read Ken's latest published articles
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The story so far
In 1978 it seemed like a good idea to plant a vineyard and make wines.
They were pioneering times and vineyards were being planted in all sorts of 'new', 'cool' locations. We were all inspired by the 'Great Wines of France' and asked 'why not here?' Forget the cost, let's just make great wines!
"We" are Ken and Juliet Eckersley and we were working in the Bairnsdale area (Eastern Victoria) at the time - Ken as a social worker (although formerly a science teacher) and Juliet as a nurse. Originally Ken was from Sydney and Juliet from near Manchester (UK).
We loved wine and Ken was fascinated by the craft of making wine and hopefully something that gave people joy and pleasure.
It's been a long, hard road - far removed from those romantic beginnings - through droughts, floods, outrageous taxes, local indifference, dumping by large wine companies and so on, but we are still here!
Lots have been learnt about the making of wine (oenology) and the grapes from this very special area. One word sums up the typical local character - flavour - distinctive, varietal ones that linger. A feature that we believe is the hallmark of quality wine.
It is pleasing to receive public acceptance, such as being voted nine times their 'favourite white wine' for the Nicholson River Chardonnay at the former "Exhibitions of Victorian Winemakers". They were not mainstream wines by any means.
Our wines are largely sold cellar door/mail order and on word of mouth recommendations.
Click here for our current wine list
