The quiet Beechworth vineyard behind Willem Kurt’s refined wines

Perched at 600 metres above sea level just south of the Beechworth township, Willem Kurt is a small, family-owned vineyard quietly carving out a reputation for purity, restraint and site-driven wines. Established in 2012 and entirely single-vineyard produced since 2022, the property reflects vigneron Dan Balzer’s long-held belief that great wine begins – and largely ends – in the vineyard.

Dan’s path into wine began in the late 1990s after completing a science degree and searching for direction. “The opportunity came up to work as a cellar hand in the Yarra Valley, and I quickly realised that creating something tangible while using my science background was something that gave me genuine satisfaction,” he says.

Dan returned to university to study winemaking, and by the late 2000s he’d committed himself to small-scale winemaking. “I felt that hands-on, small-scale, craft winemaking was far more enjoyable for me and definitely my future.”

Willem Kurt vigneron Dan Balzer.

That philosophy underpins Willem Kurt today. Planted to chardonnay, shiraz, vermentino, sangiovese and pinot noir, the vineyard is farmed with sustainability front of mind, supported by an off-grid winery, natural wastewater treatment system and a thoughtful, low-intervention approach. “Vineyard decision making for me is centred around the question, ‘does it really need to be done?’” Dan explains. “With considerations to what is best for the soil and environment, and wine quality.”

Close attention to crop load and sun exposure plays a key role. “I ensure that each vine carries the correct yield to ensure the highest quality harvest,” he says, noting that balanced exposure contributes to the “textural, savoury style wines” Willem Kurt has become known for.

Beechworth itself is a major source of inspiration. “Beechworth is a wonderful, small but mighty wine region that punches well above its weight,” Dan says. “Nearly every single winery is family owned and run, and everyone is in it because they love what they do. This results in super premium wines that are unique and individual.”

The Willem Kurt cellar is open to the public on Sundays and at other times by appointment.

With the Willem Kurt cellar door open on Sundays and at other times by appointment, visitors can taste the range and enjoy a cheese plate while taking in sweeping views of the surrounding hills. Looking ahead, Dan is focused on refinement rather than expansion for its own sake. “I don’t have any plans to take over the wine world,” he says, “but I do aim to continue to grow the quality of my wines.”

To discover more about Willem Kurt wines, plan a visit or explore the current releases, visit willemkurtwines.com.au.