ANOTHER CLEVER CLIENT (DECEMBER 2019)

Wilimee comes from the Wurundjeri name Wilimee Mooring which means place of Stone axe which is appropriate given the vineyard (previously named Portree) is next to an ancient quarry at Mount William where greenstone blanks (stones) were traded for making axe heads. At an elevation of 600m on a 12 acre vineyard dating back to 1982, their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines are some of the oldest vines in the Macedon Ranges.

Owners Ben Ranken and Sally Richardson both come from rural backgrounds and their market is private clients and restaurants with produce found at Lakehouse Daylesford, Midnight Starling Kyneton, Cutler & Co in Melbourne and in Sydney Quay and Rockpool to name a few. Vintages in both France and the USA together with Ben’s 20+ year experience has been acknowledged by being offered a position as a Judge at the Royal Melbourne Wine Show.

Earlier this year Ben was named in the top 10 Young Guns of Wine in 2019 and in the International Pinot Conference in 2015. Each year their wines sell out prior to the new release in September and together with wife Sally are leading the way towards biodynamics. A recent acquisition of an under vine cultivator controls weeds (as opposed to the common use of roundup). Retaining soil moisture through the use of a mulcher helps organic matter to add fertility. The vineyard is open annually for the Budburst Festival in November and had the wonderful Harper and Blohm Cheese stall with their Raclette and gourmet cheese toasties. They are also happy to open by Appointment and wine can be purchased online and at various retailers. What a great idea for Christmas!