Silvan Winery

The Smarrelli family arrived in Australian in 1950, and in 1965 began a long involvement in the hospitality industry, chiefly through hotels with Italian food which gained a lasting reputation. In 2001 Jim and Angela Smarrelli purchased the property, which is in fact very beautiful, and quite unlike most of the Yarra Valley wineries with its red soil, abundant water and leafy environment. Becoming involved in grapegrowing and winemaking was incidental to the main reason for purchasing the property, but, having done so, they have had wines contract-made from the estate plantings of merlot, pinot noir, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. A cellar door is planned. Exports to China. -JAMES HALLIDAY