Munari: a red gem of the Heathcote region

Anyone who has travelled around Australia's wine regions will know that cellar doors are increasingly becoming destinations within themselves - and each has its own fascinating history.

Just seven kilometres from Heathcote in Victoria is the family-owned winery of Munari, with patriarch Adrian at its head. 

Founded in 1993 when it produced just a single shiraz, the Schoolhouse Red, the blocks now burst with cabernet sauvignon, merlot and malbec and each year another Schoolhouse Red blend fills the rack.

“We want to offer easy-drinking wines of great value to those who have no tasting experience and to those who are seasoned veterans,” says Adrian. "Guests can also enjoy a light lunch or a cheese platter to accompany their tastings."

The historic property dates back to 1871 and has been owned by a succession of prominent Heachcote personalities and once sprawled to 3200 acres. 

Today, the Munari family operate on just 57 acres, but still manages to produce wines of exceptional quality from a region that features mineral-rich red soils, amongst weathered ancient volcanic greenstone. 

The soil is well known for its water retention despite being able to drain freely. Sufficient water is retained to feed the vines throughout the growing season usually without the need for supplementary irrigation.

The 2015 Schoolhouse Red is a silky-smooth blend of fruity merlot (47%), cool-climate Broadford shiraz (27%), plush cabernet (16%) and dense malbec (10%) with a rounded, luscious mouthfeel in the Munari trademark elegance for $30. 

The full range of wines includes prosecco, vermentino, grenache rosé, cabernet, red blends and dessert wines as well as Heathcote shiraz’. Be sure to taste the 94-point flagship ‘Ladys Pass’ Shiraz ($40/bottle). Book a tasting now.

Guest blogger Roderick Eime was a guest of Munari Wines