Sunbury

Fast Facts

  • Latitude:
    37°45’S
  • Altitude:
    275 m
  • Heat degree days:
    1380
  • Growing season rainfall:
    310 mm
  • Mean January temp:
    19.2°C
  • Harvest:
    Late March to early May
  • Chief viticultural hazard:
    Birds

Discover the wine and wineries of Sunbury

Discover Sunbury with James Halliday's Wine Atlas of Australia

While a relatively small region, Sunbury has a marvellously rich history, some of which has been miraculously preserved. In 1858 James Goodall Francis, a former Victorian Premier, planted the first vines at Goona Warra – an Aboriginal name chosen long before Coonawarra was even a twinkle in John Riddoch’s eye. He subsequently built a magnificent bluestone winery, and while winemaking ceased there in the early 1900s, the buildings were preserved. In 1982 Goona Warra was purchased by Melbourne lawyer John Barnier and family, and brought back to life with estate vineyards, winery and restaurant.

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