Cape Horn Vineyard

The location of Cape Horn Vineyard makes it a destination in its own right, a haven in the middle of the Echuca State Forest, 10 kilometres from the nearest farmland, surrounded by River Red Gums and Yellow Box, billabongs and wildlife. The only residential/commercial property situated on the Murray between Echuca and Barmah. Cape Horn derived its name from the riverboat captains who observed the rivers resemblance to Cape Horn on the tip of South America and being a notorious spot for the activities of smugglers on the river. The vineyard on the banks of the Murray River was originally planted to Shiraz on the sand hill in the 1870’s. It is located approximately eight kilometres upstream from the junction of the Murray and Goulburn Rivers. In its earlier days the vineyard had several owners varying from wine producers, holiday resort operators and suppliers of grape juice. The original vines were pulled in the 1940’s under a government sponsored vine pulling scheme to combat vine disease. The vineyard in its early years predominantly serviced the riverboat trade, this being the main transport system in those times. Cape Horn is situated on the Murray River midway between Echuca and Barmah and on the original main road from Echuca to Albury via the historic Stewarts Bridge. After lying fallow for 50 years the property was bought by Sue and Ian Harrison and replanted with a variety of grafted grapevines. These include Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Durif, Zinfandel, Chardonnay and Marsanne. These varieties have been chosen for their suitability to this region. The cellar door operation began after the first vintage in 1997. At that time tastings were conducted by appointment from the vine shaded veranda of a farm cabin that was on the property when purchased. This has now been replaced by a purpose built, architect designed house and cellar door/winery. The present cellar door overlooks the river and is large enough to accommodate 60 people for weddings, parties etc. Weddings are also conducted in marquees which are erected on the ample lawns which run down to the rivers edge. Enclosed by glass and wire screens patrons can sit in the cellar door area and enjoy a glass of wine with a cheese platter made on the premises, or provide their own food for picnics. Gas barbeques are provided for the use of visitors.