Copy of About
OUR LOCATION
Heifer Station Vineyard is located on the volcanic basalt slopes of Mt. Canobolas, was once part of a much larger property which was used by Cobb & Co as a change station for their horse teams. Over the years, Heifer Station was sub divided into smaller parcels of land and its history all but lost. In an attempt to preserve its ties to the past, we have retained the name of the property that played a significant role in our local history.
In close proximity to the region’s highest peak, Mt Canobolas, Heifer Station vineyard spans 65 acres of red loam soils over limestone, rising to an altitude of 900M. In a wine region where altitude is everything, Heifer Station vineyard enjoys a near-perfect balance of elevation and sunshine, perfect for growing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Merlot and Shiraz.
With respect for the Earth and a whole lot of altitude the fruit does the talking – that’s the Heifer Station way of doing things. We then add the love to create elegant single vineyard wines you will want to enjoy again and again.
ABOUT US
Phillip and Michelle Stivens purchased Heifer Station in 2009. A run-down vineyard that had been lockup by its offshore owners for the previous 5 years. With the vineyard barely visible from overgrown blackberries Phillip and Michelle planned to push the vineyard out and return to their roots of running fat cattle, enjoying the slower life.
Phillip soon learnt from locals that Heifer Station vineyard is located on some of the richest soils in the Orange wine region and with its undulating hills and elevation of up to 900 metres it offered the perfect location for producing premium cool climate wine. After 6 months of contemplating the most respectful use of the land Phillip and Michelle took the leap of faith and started their journey as accidental vignerons.
2012 saw their first vintage and with a farming philosophy that has an emphasis on the plant and soil health Heifer Station has enjoyed numerous successes - double gold at the Royal Easter Show, the Trophies at both the Orange Wine Show for their Shiraz and NSW Shiraz Challenge along with other numerous medals from various national and international wine shows including the prestigious London Wine Show in 2020. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz have proven to be the champion varieties of Heifer Station.
2016 saw the opening of their Cellar Door in the 100 year old wool shed. Nestled amongst a beautiful country garden and farm yard animals Heifer Station was awarded Gold in 2019 in the NSW Tourism Awards in the category of Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries.
Phillip and Michelle hope that every guest to the cellar door will not only leave with a case of their beautiful wine but having learnt something new about cool climate wine, the Orange wine region or life living on the land.
"Heifer Station vineyard enjoys a near-perfect balance of elevation and sunshine, an ideal location for growing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Merlot and Shiraz"
Phillip and Michelle Stivens