KOOYONGA CHAPEL WINERY is next
to a ribbon of bush that runs from the Great
Australian Divide down to Benalla.
The bush
provides many visitors: kangaroos, deer,
wombats, koalas, squads of echidnas and of
course, rabbits and hares.
There are platypus in the spring, trout in the dam and
most importantly gravel in the clayey soil.
The winery is 20 acres planted with equal areas of
Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay
and Sauvignon Blanc. First plantings were in
2000. The mild climate extends the ripening
period and adds to the complexity and intensity
of flavour in the grapes.
KOOYONGA CHAPEL is a small winery owned and
operated by the Saunders family. The winemaker
is Barry Saunders. Attention to detail from the
first planting has been meticulous, culminating in
a range of fine quality wines.
KOOYONGA CHAPEL WINERY is new and fitted
with the latest equipment. All processes are
monitored. Time is not an issue. Quality is the
driving force. Small batches allow individual
flavours to develop. Particular characteristics of
each vintage are promoted. Ageing and
maturation are important.