Wine History
Old growth rainforest tree
The rainforest known as the Big Scrub once stretched from Byron Bay inland to Whian Whian (and beyond), where the subtropical climate is relieved by cool night air from the Mt Warning caldera.
We came here in 2002 and our Italian friends showed us that the chambourcin grape prospered in this climate. Thus another endeavour that complemented our dream for Imogen’s Farm was born. We realised that a vineyard plus winery was achievable.
Predictably, like all sites, ours had its own peculiarities. The necessity for a vineyard management practice that minimised erosion during the torrential downpours and the battles to stop the hungry wallabies.
Crushing wine grapes
Going for us, we have our rich red soil, the temperate climate, ample rainfall and a cool enough winter to help our grapes flourish.
Christine and I have spent the last six years working here and working away in wine regions. All Imogen’s Farm wines are made on the property. Our aim is to develop a local wine incorporating grapes grown locally like Chambourcin with more traditional varieties.
Our Wines
Kesteven vineyard
The Chambourcin grape grown on our property is “bullet proof” to disease and is admirably suited to our climate.
Chambourcin grapes produce a wine that is often described as having a velvet smooth palate but which is not noted for the complexity and length of its palate. We therefore have imported parcels of traditional varieties like Shiraz to blend with our Chambourcin, to produce exciting wines with the pepper and long palate of Shiraz .
We have also made small parcels of straight varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
THIS YEAR OUR LIMONCELLO WON BEST IN ITS CLASS
AT THE AUSTRALIAN FRUIT WINE AWARDS
We developed it over the past three years using the bush lemons on our property. It is made as a fortified fruit wine (a desert wine), unlike the traditional liqueur.
It is brilliant as an after dinner drink and the perfect gift.
Current releases
“Innes” chambourcin 2010
The chambourcin grape prospers in Whian Whian, producing a wine of fine red colour with strong fruit, soft palate which is great with food. Serve chilled. 750ml $16.00 per bottle
“Emlyn” cabernet sauvignon 2010
Using grapes from the granite belt, we made this wine with light fruit tones, a balanced palate with hints of grapefruit and cucumber. 750ml $16.00 per bottle
“Ziggy” sweet chambourcin
We have made this wine with residual grape sweetness and elevated alcohol. It goes well chilled; at room temperature with cheese before dinner; or as a dessert wine after a meal. 500ml $15.00 per botttle
“Tilly” limoncello. Gold medal and Best in Class: Australian Fruit Wine Awards 2011.
Using the bush lemons from our property, we make this as a fortified fruit wine on a lemon wine base with lower alcohol, unlike the traditional liqueur. The traditional citrus zing of the lemons combines with a palate of butter overtones, which is a product of the lemon wine. 150 ml $12.00 per bottle 375ml $21.00 per bottle
”It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or to obtain alcohol on behalf of, a person under the age of 18 years.”
KESTEVEN VINEYARD
Licence number 24015670 producer/wholesaler
