Balgownie wine quality starts with the care we take in our vineyards, balancing vegetative growth and moderate yields to produce healthy vines, vibrant fruit, and finished wines that showcase the character of our carefully chosen sites and vintages.
Balgownie was named after the shire of Balgownie in Aberdeen, Scotland where founder Stuart Anderson’s descendants originated. You may notice the township’s distinctive coat of arms on some of our labels.
Winemaker Stuart Anderson established Balgownie Estate’s Bendigo vineyards in 1969 with initial plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. From here Balgownie become an influential red wine producer in regional Victoria, producing rich savoury flavours with moderate alcohol and intelligent use of oak.
Balgownie Yarra Valley was purchased in 1999 by Des and Rod Forrester and Bill Freeman, who planted Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards and then built accommodation, a restaurant, Cellar Door and Spa facility. Winemaker Tony Winspear developed the first Balgownie Yarra Valley vintages and looks after our legendary winery and vineyards to this day.
