Business Name

Nicholson River Winery—Fine Australian Wines direct from the Cellar Door

Nicholson River Winery—Fine Australian Wines direct from the Cellar Door

Award winning wines  from the beautiful Gippsland Lakes & Rivers Region

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 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 Chardonnays 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 we rely on word of mouth recommendations.

Presently there are 18 wines available at cellar door, .e.g. four different styles of Chardonnay and also Pinot Noir, botrytis and sparkling wines etc. -  click here for our current specials

You are welcome to visit the winery—click here to see how to find us