Bellvale Wine

The Ellis family has a rich agricultural heritage that can be traced back to a farm in Nieuw Amsterdam (New York, US) in the late 1600s. Owner/winemaker/viticulturist John Ellis (no relation to John Ellis of Hanging Rock Winery) honed his passion for fine wine and viticulture over an extensive time spent in Europe. This included many trips to Burgundy, France, during his 25-year career as a commercial pilot. Drawn to South Gippsland's cool climate, John migrated to Australia in the 1980s. On his property, he has established pinot noir (14ha), chardonnay (6ha) and pinot gris (2ha) on the red soils of a north-facing slope. He chose a density of 7150 vines per ha, following as far as possible the precepts of Burgundy. Exports to the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Singapore and Japan. -JAMES HALLIDAY