Vineyard Information

1967

Fateful decision made to look for land to plant a vineyard.

1969

After considerable research land purchased at Avoca.

1970

First vines planted - Trebbiano, Shiraz and Semillon.

1971

Planted a further 25 acres of Shiraz. These initial plantings were at the suggestion of Chateau Remy who had agreed to buy the fruit produced. At this stage Mount Avoca had not made a firm decision to build a winery.

1972

Planted approximately 10 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon.

1973

Planted 1000 olive trees.

1974-77

Production sold to Chateau Remy and Seppelts except small quantity made into wine at Mount Avoca.

1978

Winery built, first commercial vintage.

1979

First Gold Medal with first vintage made. Lilydale, 1978 Cabernet.

1982

Planted 4 more acres Sauvignon Blanc.

1984

Planted 4 more acres Chardonnay.

1985-87

Increased winery by 200%.

1987-89

Grafted several acres of Shiraz to Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

1988

First Trophy - "Best White Wine" National Small makers competition, for 1987 Sauvignon Blanc.

1989

First export sales to Sweden, Canada & U.K.

1993

New tasting-room built with views of the vineyard and surrounding Pyrenees ranges.

1994

Decision made to plant ten more acres as demand outstrips supply for second year in a row (plantings over two years 1994-1995).

1995

Mount Avoca celebrates 25 years of operation.

1996

Matthew Barry takes over the winemaking and produces his first vintage.

1997

Mount Avoca releases its first "super" premium "Arda's Choice" 1992.

1998

Two new wines, TRIOSS & Rhapsody are introduced and the presentation of the Traditional range is dramatically improved.

2001

Barrington Estate acquires major shareholding .

2003

Matthew & Lisa Barry purchase the winery in full – putting it back in the hands of the Barry family.

Distribution with DWS begins and Mount Avoca begins its campaign to become one of a handful of successful super premium wines on the market.

Mount Avoca becomes the first winery in the world to use ProCork – a traditional cork which outperforms screw cap.

2004

Mount Avoca wins Best Exhibitor at the Heritage of Australia show with 7 out of 8 wines winning medals.