Crawford River Wines was established at Condah in 1975 by John Thomson, with the aim of harnessing the cool climate viticulture benefits of a relatively unexplored wine-growing region, the South West of Victoria. Initially, two hectares were planted when John returned to the family farm after some years sharebroking in Melbourne and London. Five hectares were added whilst John was studying Viticulture and Wine Science at Charles Stuart University in Wagga Wagga, and the last two hectares were planted in 1995 giving the vineyard a total of nine hectares.
Presiding over sprawling grazing lands and spectacular State forests, Crawford River Wines has paved the way for the industry in what is, traditionally a wool, beef and dairy region. The winery atop the hill and the vineyard hugging the steep slope are in the midst of the sheep and cattle station that has been in John's family since 1884. In the near distance meanders the Crawford River, steadily making its way along to the mighty Glenelg River.
The low-yielding vines grow in gravelly loam soils and combined with a long ripening period and cool, even temperatures, produce grapes of intense flavor and high natural acidity, enabling the production of elegant wines. The vines are all hand pruned, the grapes hand picked and meticulous attention is paid to hygiene and modern wine making techniques. Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon are the two main varieties planted, with smaller plantings of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. All wines are grown, produced and bottled at Crawford River Vineyard and winery at Condah.
Crawford River in Victoria's Henty region is a familiar name to many wine lovers around Australia. Since it was established in 1975, the vineyard has been producing exciting riesling and complex cool-climate cabernet sauvignon. This is remarkable given the region does not exactly have a long and glorious association with viticulture. Ben Edwards
