We are big fans of Beechworth. This relatively small gem of a region offers such a remarkable variety of solid wines, most of which are brewed up by passionate boutique wineries striving for their idea of perfection. And the vibe of the Beechworth wine scene is just so special – almost everywhere you go, you find inviting characters excited to share their stories and wines with you.
On a recent visit to Beechworth (well, not so recent – 2021 hasn’t wasted any time moving along!!), we discovered two more awesome stops which we very highly recommend. We remind you that you can find full reviews for these and many, many more wineries at winehuntersworld.com/wineries
Baarmutha Wines is definitely one of the coolest wine experiences we have uncovered recently. The inspiring story, like that of many boutique wineries, is one of determination, hard work & grit. That big purchase of 45 acres 20 years ago. First vines planted in 2006. First release in 2010. A focus on the core varietals that the proprietor felt Beechworth has the best potential for (namely Chardonnay, Riesling & Shiraz (and just a smidge of Sagrantino, because AUS really does need more of that)). But the commonalities end there. What proprietor Vinny Webb did next is so cool. He built a very tasteful retro-kitsch cellar door, and beside that, into an old shipping container, he built a Spanish-style wine cave/cellar, where guests can taste the developing vintage right from the barrel. Such a very cool experience! Words really don’t do it justice. And as we always say, when it comes to winemaking, focus pays. Both the Shiraz and Chardonnay are vibrant and punchy wines of distinction – definitely a departure from traditional Northern VIC fare in a welcome way.
With its homey cellar door situated smartly in the heart of Beechworth, El Dorado Road is one of the region’s best stops. El Dorado’s vineyards are actually in the adjacent township of the same name, chosen for their very specific soil profile. And while we are not geologists or soil scientists, someone at EDR certainly was. El Dorado boasts one of the region’s most unique ranges (featuring less common Beechworth varietals like Nero d’Avola and Durif as well as mainstays like Shiraz and Chardonnay) and remarkably, one of Beechworth’s best ranges overall, despite that diversity. The Chardonnay is notably engaging. The Rosé is somehow savoury and soft. And the Durif … what a revelation! Such a beautiful, elegant wine. Who knew Durif could taste so good?!?!? (EDR’s 2017 Durif was one of our 2020 Wines of the Year (check a few posts back).) And finally, as if all that wasn’t good enough, the tasting experience is impeccable. In our December 2020 visit, Alicia was friendly, knowledgeable, and totally engaged – all you can ask for in a tasting. You need to check these guys out.
Regions like Beechworth with its amazing experiences such as those offered by Baarmutha and El Dorado Road are #WhyWeLoveWine
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