In 2002 some colleagues asked me to join them in a vineyard venture. Initially I said no, but finding the site was Heathcote I was intrigued. Two weeks later, standing on the ridge looking at the spectacular view, I was sold. My friends thought I was crazy when I told them I’d suddenly bought 200 acres on the slopes of the Mount Camel range. When I stand on the ridge and look out over spectacular view of vines and grasslands and blue skies, I’m happy to live with the crazy title. This land speaks to me. The name Tellurian meaning ‘of the earth’ relates this sense of connection, as well as a reference to Heathcote’s famed red Cambrian soils.

Ian Hopkins -Principal , Tellurian Heathcote

Daniel Hopkins -General Manager , Tellurian Heathcote

Tobias Ansted -Chief Winemaker , Tellurian Heathcote

The inspiration for the move to organics was sparked by a trip to northern Rhone in 2014, when Ian and viticulturist Tim Brown toured the region to research close planting and saw that a few of the best high-density growers in St Joseph and Hermitage were also applying organic principals. This confirmed the notion that high density planting combined with organic farming had the potential to create a very special expression of the Heathcote terroir. Within a year the application for organic certification was also submitted and the transition to organics commenced.

Our climate is beautifully consistent, warm, sunny and dry throughout the growing season. Summer is generally warm and sunshine-filled with little or low cloud cover; perfect for developing intensity of character and flavour. Cool nights allow grapes to recover through the first part of the day with temperatures not rising until afternoon, retaining elegance and freshness.

Our most recent vineyard was planted high on the ridge above the winery in a natural south-facing amphitheatre. It is high density shiraz - 8,888 vines/Ha inspired by the steep, close planted sites of Saint Joseph and Hermitage in Northern Rhone. The combination of soil, aspect and elevation with the planting density should induce outstanding shiraz.

Bringing together our team, winemaker Tobias Ansted, viticulturist Tim Brown and co-principal Daniel Hopkins, Ian’s focus on the future potential saw the first vintage of Tellurian shiraz bottled in 2008. Within four years we had completed building of an Australian shed-style winery and cellar door overlooking 32 ha of vineyards.