Bannockburn

Stuart Hooper, a passionate wine enthusiast and successful businessman, founded Bannockburn Vineyards in the early 1970s. His vision was to create an Australian vineyard that could emulate the great wine regions of France. He selected a plot in the Moorabool Valley, near Bannockburn, known for its ideal soil composition and rich history of premium grape production dating back to the 1870s. Starting with shiraz vines, Hooper's commitment to quality laid a strong foundation for Bannockburn's success.

Though Stuart has passed, Bannockburn remains in the Hooper family, with his daughters ensuring his philosophy endures. Viticultural Manager Lucas Grigsby, with over 30 years of experience, and head winemaker Matt Holmes, who joined in 2015, continue to honor Stuart’s vision. Together, they maintain organic farming practices and low intervention winemaking, resulting in wines that truly express the vineyard’s unique terroir.

At Bannockburn, we strive to tell a deeper story of soil and site through our wines. Our viticultural principles focus on respect for the land and responsible farming, including organic composting, straw mulching, and cultivating inter-row cover crops. In the winery, minimal additions, wild yeast ferments, and low intervention techniques produce wines of integrity that are distinctively Bannockburn.

Located 25 kilometres northwest of Geelong, Bannockburn Vineyards encompass 24 blocks with 8 grape varieties and 16 clones. The soil, generally low in fertility with good drainage, supports controlled vine growth. Our organic farming principles require only compost to maintain vineyard balance. Bannockburn’s unique terroir, consisting of volcanic debris and ancient sea beds over limestone bedrock, contributes to the distinctive flavours and structures of our wines.

The Moorabool Valley's climate, with its mild temperatures, low humidity, and long sunshine hours, provides ideal conditions for grape growing. This maritime influence, combined with a stable, dry growing season, ensures healthy vines and gradual flavour development in the grapes.