Cool climate vines a hot ticket in the Highlands

The property, covering just under 33 hectares (80 acres), and about 13 kilometres to the south of Bowral, combines a working vineyard along with a hospitality venue thanks to a 70-seat restaurant and a 120-seat function centre.

Southern Highland Wines is listed for sale with George Southwell, Ray White Rural Canberra/Yass said the vineyard was situated in a highly sought after area.

Mr Southwell said the Southern Highlands had a growing reputation as a very high quality, cool climate wine producing area.

He said wines produced in the Southern Highlands were being recognised for excellence and had awards to match.

The vineyard was established by the current owners, with the property now up for sale given the winding down of a business partnership.

“The infrastructure they have put in is first class.”

Mr Southwell said that as was often the case, second owners of a property are often in a good position as they can enjoy the benefits of the property which has witnessed good investment by the previous owners in terms of additions and improvements.

“It is a very productive place; it would suit an investor very well,” he said.

“It’s an agricultural investment that has got a bit of scope, and added to that it also has secure water.”

That water comes in the form of a bore, an automated irrigation system and three storage dams, in addition to town water supply.

He said interest had been coming from several areas, including local buyers as well as both Australian and overseas investors.

Generally, the property produces Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Pinot Noir.

Awards over the years have included a silver medal for Pinot Gris at last year’s San Francisco International Wine Compe-tition, a double gold medal for Chardonnay at the China Wine Awards Best Value in Hong Kong, also last year, a bronze medal for Chardonnay in the Decanter World Wine Awards in London in 2013, silver and bronze medals in the Australian Cool Climate Wine Show in 2012, and a bronze medal at the Melbourne Royal Wine Show in 2010, not to mention many others over the years.

Aside from the vineyard itself,

the property features buildings designed by Baxter and Jacobson Architects.

Winery equipment includes tanks, and packaging equipment, while machinery such as a tractor and spray unit are included in the sale.

Mr Southwell said that aside from the vineyard, the property also offers the scope for future development, such as the addition of accommodation facilities to enhance the property’s already clear tourism appeal.

“Southern Highland Wines” heads to auction on November 6.