Terroir
In 1998, the first vines planted at Sutton Grange Winery were syrah and cabernet sauvignon, under the supervision of Bendigo winemaking icon, Stuart Anderson (founder of Balgownie Estate in Bendigo).
Climate
In 2001 the annual rainfall average was around 550mm. The last 10 years have seen a lot of change, with a persistent drought and a warming trend. This change in climate is indicated by the harvest date, in 2002 (a cooler year) we picked in April compared with 2007 (the driest year) were we picked at the end of February. Spring frosts can pose a threat although fortunately we are located on the eastern side of Mount Alexander where the hillsides receive all the morning sun.
Soils
The Sutton Grange vineyard is planted on the foothills of Mount Alexander, 300m above sea level. The geology is based on devonian acid igneous rocks, and composed mostly of granodiorite. The subsoil alternates decomposed granite and clay, containing notable quartz and mica. Some small pockets of red soil based on basalt rocks have also been found. Overall the soils on the vineyard are sandy to clay loams, acidic, permeable and very deep.
Viticulture
The Sutton Grange vineyards are planted at between 2,777 and 3,333 plants per hectare and conducted with a VSP trellis system. Since 2001 we have not used any herbicides in our vineyards. Bio-dynamic practices began in 2002 utilising bio-dynamic preparations instead of chemical sprays. An example of some of our precious vineyard helpers are sheep in the vineyard during the winter months and guinea fowl who occupy the vineyard all year round for insect control, this also introduces great biodiversity into our vineyards. Fortunately the Sutton Grange property has substantial water reserves and is less affected by long, dry spells. Regulated deficit irrigation and mulching has been used to assist the development of the young vineyard and to combat the current drought, some trials of dry grown vines are conducted.