Cold Acre

Nestled on a north-facing slope along Mount Jim, with an elevation of 580m and taking in stunning views of the Cobaw Ranges, sits 16ha of land, of which 5ha are under vine. In ’19, Patrick and Shelley Eckel bought the site, planted in ’06 to grow viognier and pinot gris (now gone) plus chardonnay and pinot noir, the focus is on the latter 2. A day job in IT is funding Patrick’s winemaking ambition to make the best Macedon Ranges pinot noir and chardonnay plus sparkling. -JANE FAULKNER