Collection: HODDLES CREEK

The D’Anna family established their vineyard on a property that had been in the family since in 1960. Son Franco is the viticulturist and inspired winemaker; he graduated to chief wine buyer by the time he was 21. He completed a bachelor of commerce before studying viticulture at CSU. A vintage at Coldstream Hills, then 2 years’ vintage experience with Peter Dredge at Witchmount and, with Mario Marson (ex-Mount Mary) as mentor in ’03, put an old head on young shoulders. -JAMES HALLIDAY

Hoddles Creek Estate was established in 1997 when the D'Anna family decided to establish a vineyard on the property that has been in the family since 1960. The vineyard sits astride Gembrook road and adjacent Hoddles Creek. Its steeply sloping blocks prohibit mechanical harvesting, with both vineyards being hand pruned and harvested. All our wines, which are single vineyard, estate grown, are made in our 300 tonne winery, constructed for the 2003 vintage. The split-level winery has a barrel store located three meters underground. Hoddles Creek Estate is planted with 10ha of pinot noir (five clones), 6 ha of chardonnay, 1ha each of sauvignon blanc, merlot and cabernet sauvignon, and 1.5ha of pinot gris.