Bev Cowley (Ansett Cabin Manager) and long-term partner Bill Hanrahan (Ansett Captain) began the establishment of their vineyard in 1997 on what was previously a cattle grazing property. The idea was to have a more relaxing lifestyle away from the Ansett international service that flew for several years throughout Asia. They retained former Coldstream Hills vineyard manager Bill Christophersen to design and lay out the vineyard, planting 5ha of pinot noir, 3.3ha of shiraz and 0.8ha of chardonnay. The quality of the grapes led to a contract with Yering Station, and their label was launched in 2002 with the support of Yering Station winemaker Tom Carson. Following the tragic death of Bill in 2007, Bev has thrown herself tirelessly into the development of the project, helped by family and friends, and in particular, by Dave Willis, her vineyard manager. Bev has also worked with Yarra Ranges Tourism, and introduced a concept called Reverse BYO®. Where you bring your own food and Bev provides the wine and other beverages, resulting in many picnic spots around the estate.
