Location

Bridgewater-on-Loddon, in central Victoria, 150 km. north-west of Melbourne. Bendigo Wine Growing Region.

History and Ownership

Water Wheel is owned by the Cumming family. The original Water Wheel vineyard was planted in 1970.

In 1989 the Cumming family purchased the winery and surrounding 20 acres of vines. They have since planted three new vineyards at Bridgewater-on-Loddon to help enhance the complexity and improve the overall quality of Water Wheel wines. In 1995 the historic Memsie property was purchased by the Cumming family and total plantings now exceed 300 acres. Water Wheel produces fruit driven high quality varietal wines using only estate grown.

Chief winemaker is Peter Cumming.

Climate and Soil

The natural rainfall at Bridgewater - on - Loddon is 17'' (425mm). Whilst it is possible to grow wine grapes with this rainfall we believe that to do so places too much stress on the vines and we therefore irrigate all of our vines.
Our vines are Hedged trellised, exposing the grapes to the sun to allow them to achieve maximum ripeness. We grow our red wine grapes on heavy clay soil. White wine varieties are planted on lighter, better drained soil.

Awards.

2001 Shiraz   Gold medal at The National Wine Show of Australia, 2002.
2002 Shiraz   Gold medal at The National Wine Show of Australia, 2003.
2004 Shiraz   Gold medal at The Royal Melbourne Wine Show, 2005.
Gold medal at The International Wine Challenge, London 2006.
2006 Shiraz   Gold medal at The National Wine Show of Australia, 2007.

Markets

Available nationally in Australia and exported to the U.K., Canada, USA, Ireland, Denmark, Switzerland, New Zealand, Singapore, China, Malaysia and Hong Kong.


Website: www.waterwheelwine.com

Contact details. Tel + 61 (0)3 5437 3060

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Hours of Business: Mon - Fri 9 to 5, Other days 12 to 4

ABOUT  BOORT

BOORT known as “The Northern Oasis”

Boort appears like a mirage from the surrounding agricultural landscape. The town is a refreshing oasis with green parks and gardens situated near the delightful ‘Little Lake Boort’.  Home not only to birds, Boort has opportunities for the photographer or artist to capture our natural wonders, along with the skies full of stars and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Boort has interesting and diverse tourist destinations for visitors and locals alike to enjoy.  Boort is 250km north from Melbourne, approximately half way between Bendigo and Swan Hill.  Boort is the Aboriginal name meaning, “smoke from the hill”.

Little Lake Boort is central to the town and is used for water sports including skiing, sailing, fishing and swimming.  Take a stroll on the walking track around the lake where swans, ibis, pelicans and other birds can be observed, even fresh water tortoises.  The foreshore of the lake offers bowls, croquet, tennis, water ski club and an extensive tree lined park with barbeques, playground and merry-go-round for the children and a caravan park.

The town lookout gives a spectacular 360 degrees panorama view of Boort, the lakes and farming area.  Community pride is evident as the locals continuously improve facilities, services and surrounds, which makes it a great place to live and visit.

Other community clubs, services and places of interest:

• Tourist attractions
• Permanent chemist, specialty shops, banks and hotels
• Netball, hockey, badminton, golf, cricket and football clubs
• Churches / Secondary and Primary schools / Pre-school
• Scouts, cubs, guides and brownies
• Harness racing club / Clay target club
• Permanent police / Urban fire brigade
• Hospital, nursing home, hostel, doctor and dentist clinics
• Northern district community health services / Child welfare centre
• Men’s shed
• Accommodation and caravan park
• Boort Agricultural and Pastoral Show / Historical society
• Boort Resource and Information Centre
• Power boat and ski club / Swimming club / Angling club
• Public transport / Flying club, airstrip and pilots lounge
• Probus Club and Service clubs - Rotary, CWA and Amity

Boort is a diverse irrigation farming area, including cereal crops, corn, lupins, canola, lucerne, aquaculture, grapes, olives, tomatoes, onions, walnuts, apples, sheep, beef and horse studs.

Boort has proven to be a popular destination for a visit with ‘true blue’ country hospitality.

Just take a stroll down the street and have a look at our small country town specialty shops and if you want to have a chat, just say hello and see what happens!